Market
In Georgia (GE), fresh melon trade is commonly captured under HS 080710 (“melons and watermelons, fresh”) at the 6-digit level. Based on UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS portal, Georgia is a net importer in this category, importing about USD 2.70 million (8.28 million kg) in 2024, with Turkey as the largest supplier by value, followed by Iran and Azerbaijan. Exports are comparatively small (e.g., Georgia-reported exports of about USD 0.21 million in 2024; 2023 exports were about USD 0.15 million, mainly shipped to neighboring markets such as Armenia). Import clearance is sensitive to phytosanitary border control: a phytosanitary certificate (and, where applicable, an import permit for plant products under phytosanitary control) is a practical gatekeeper for entry and can drive delays or refusal if documentation is incomplete.
Market RoleNet importer (domestic production supplemented by imports; small and variable exports)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumer market supplied by a mix of local seasonal production and imports (HS 080710 imports recorded annually).
Market GrowthMixed (2023–2024 trade indicators (HS 080710))imports declined from 2023 to 2024 while exports remain small
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFresh melons (HS 080710 context) are subject to phytosanitary border control in Georgia. Missing or non-conforming phytosanitary documentation (notably the phytosanitary certificate and, where applicable, the phytosanitary import permit for plant products) can trigger detention, refusal/return, or destruction under border-control rules and procedures.Before shipment, validate whether the consignment requires an NFA phytosanitary import permit in addition to the exporting-country phytosanitary certificate; run a pre-border document checklist aligned to Revenue Service phytosanitary control requirements and allow time for possible sampling/testing.
Logistics MediumHS 080710 shipments are bulky and perishable. Border delays from documentary checks and potential sampling/lab analysis increase risk of quality loss and claims, especially in warm seasons and on long land routes from key suppliers.Use reefer-capable trucks where needed, plan for border dwell time, and align delivery windows with buyer intake schedules; maintain temperature and handling discipline through the border/wholesale leg.
Supply Concentration MediumGeorgia’s import supply for HS 080710 is concentrated, with Turkey the largest supplier by value in 2024. Any trade friction, transport disruption, or crop shortfall affecting dominant suppliers can tighten availability and raise prices in Georgia.Qualify alternative origins already present in the import mix (e.g., Iran, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan) and maintain multi-supplier programs for peak demand windows.
Climate MediumGeorgia’s irrigated agriculture is explicitly managing drought, warming temperatures, and expected precipitation decline; these conditions can raise production risk and variability for water-sensitive summer crops and increase reliance on imports in poor domestic seasons.Diversify sourcing across origins and monitor irrigation/water-availability updates affecting key producing areas and transport corridors.
Sustainability- Water/irrigation resilience: national irrigation modernization efforts explicitly target adaptation to drought, warming temperatures, and reduced precipitation, which can materially affect irrigated horticulture and field-crop productivity (including hot-season cucurbits such as melons).
FAQ
Which documents are typically required to import fresh melons into Georgia under phytosanitary control?Georgia’s Revenue Service guidance for phytosanitary control lists a phytosanitary certificate as a required document, and notes that an import permit for products of plant origin subject to phytosanitary control may be required. The National Food Agency issues permits for importing plant-origin products subject to phytosanitary control through an electronic application process.
Who were the main suppliers of fresh melons and watermelons to Georgia in 2024 (HS 080710)?UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal shows Turkey as the largest supplier by value in 2024, followed by Iran and Azerbaijan; Uzbekistan and the Netherlands also appear among suppliers. Total imports reported for 2024 were about USD 2.70 million (8.28 million kg).
Is Georgia an exporter of fresh melons, or mainly an importer?It is mainly an importer. UN Comtrade/WITS reports Georgia imports of HS 080710 at about USD 2.70 million in 2024, while Georgia-reported exports in the same category were much smaller (about USD 0.21 million). In 2023, exports were about USD 0.15 million, with Armenia the primary destination.