Burmese Watermelon Market Guide

According to a Bangkok Research Center (BRC) - Institute of Developing Economies (IDE) research paper, there are two export routes for Myanmar watermelon: sea route and border trade.

• Sea route: Exporters buy and collect watermelon from farmers directly, exporters handle packing, weighing, internal carriage, shipping, and other certifications.
• Border trade: Mainly export to China. The supply chain consists of: growers, Myanmar border intermediaries, and Chinese buyers. The intermediaries hold auctions where Chinese buyers attend, and then negotiate with the buyers and handle the logistics and compliance requirements for international trade. The Ruili port in Yunnan province has become the largest land port for Myanmar watermelon entering China. In Ruili, there are two specialized "imported fruit state inspection and control zones" that covering more than 400 mu (65.9 acre) with an annual capacity of 2 million tons. There, a fruit-industry park has formed that contains multiple industrial elements such as logistics, packaging, and trading. The annual output here exceeds 1.5 billion Yuan (USD 226.1 million). In the specialized areas, inspection time for each batch of fruits has shortened from 1-2 days to 2-3 hours.

According to the BRC-IDE study, the main cultivating regions for watermelon in Myanmar include:

- Ayeyarwady Region: The Ayeyarwady Region, located in the southern part of Myanmar, is one of the major watermelon-producing areas. Watermelon cultivation in this region typically takes place from November to March. This region benefits from the tropical climate and fertile soils, making it suitable for watermelon production.

- Sagaing Region: The Sagaing Region, situated in the northwestern part of Myanmar, is another significant watermelon-growing area. Watermelon cultivation season in Sagaing usually begins around November and extends into February or March. The climate and soil conditions in this region favor watermelon farming.

- Mandalay Region: The Mandalay Region, located in central Myanmar, is also known for watermelon cultivation. Watermelons are grown here from November to March, similar to many other parts of the country. The region's climate and agricultural practices support watermelon production.

- Shan State: In Shan State, watermelon cultivation occurs during the same general season, typically from November to March. This region, which is in the eastern part of Myanmar, benefits from suitable conditions for growing watermelons.

The seasonality of watermelon cultivation in Myanmar is influenced by the country's climate, with the primary planting season typically starting in November and running through March. During this period, the weather is warm and relatively dry, which is ideal for watermelon growth. The exact planting and harvesting times may vary slightly from year to year due to weather conditions, but this period generally represents the main watermelon season in Myanmar.

Myanmar exported fresh watermelon worth a total of $38.5M during 2022, with 99.81% going to China. Other destinations include India and Thailand. Some other destinations in past years include Korea, Malaysia, UAE and the US, but with very little volume relative to China. 

Note: a large part of exports might be underreported. 

Myanmar watermelon exports include: Tian Wang, 855, seedless water melon, muskmelon and the yellow pulp water melon

Watermelons exported from Myanmar to China via border trade route have been over 113,000 tonnes between January and August 2023. There have been a total of 7,048 trucks that loaded watermelons transported to China in the first eight months in 2023, according to the Muse Fruit Commodity Exchange.

According to Myanmar's National Trade Portal, exporting businesses should register as such with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and the Ministry of Commerce. Some fees apply. Exporters then must join the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI). Watermelons are not in the list of prohibited products and do not require an export license. Watermelons, on the other hand, require a phytosanitary certificate to be exported. Exporters must be declared to customs along with the necessary documentation and must pass product inspection.

Watermelons in Myanmar are typically graded based on various factors such as size, quality, and appearance. The grading process helps determine the market destinations and price points for the fruit. Grading is especially important for both domestic and export markets to ensure that watermelons meet the desired standards. Here's an overview of how watermelons are graded in Myanmar:

- Size: Watermelons are often graded by size, typically based on their weight or dimensions. Watermelon is graded in sizes regardless of its variety: extra-large (AAA), large (AA) and normal (A).

          AAA (9-12 KG)

          AA (7-8 KG)

          A (5-6 KG)

          B (4 KG)

          C (3 KG)

- Quality and Ripeness: Quality and ripeness are essential factors in grading watermelons. Factors that affect quality and ripeness grading include:

        Color: A ripe watermelon typically has a deep green color, although some varieties may have yellow or golden rinds.

        Sound: When tapped, a ripe watermelon should produce a deep, resonant sound. A dull thud may indicate an overripe or underripe fruit.

        Texture: The skin should be firm and free from blemishes, soft spots, or cracks.

        Sugar Content: The sugar content, often measured in terms of Brix levels, can indicate sweetness. Higher Brix levels are desirable for sweeter watermelons.

- Appearance: Watermelons are also graded based on their appearance. This includes factors such as the shape, uniformity, and clarity of the fruit. Watermelons with consistent shapes and minimal surface blemishes are typically preferred.

- Exterior Features: Additional factors that may be considered in grading watermelons include the presence of dark or light stripes on the rind, as well as the thickness of the rind. Some markets may have specific preferences for certain exterior features.

- Packaging: The way watermelons are packaged and presented can also affect their grade. Proper packaging, including cleanliness and protective measures to prevent damage during transportation, is essential.

Grading may be conducted by producers, wholesalers, or government agencies, depending on the context. In some cases, private grading agencies may also be involved to ensure the quality of the watermelons being exported. 

According to Myanmar's Trade Portal, the required documents to export, alongside the customs declaration are:

1. Export Registration Certificate (and TradeNet 2.0 registration)

2. Company Registration Form

3. Invoice

4. Packing list

5. Sales Contract

6. Shipping Instructions

7. Booking Note

8. Phytosanitary Certificate