Uzbekistan has achieved a record-breaking export of over 30,000 tons of watermelons since the beginning of the season, EastFruit reports.

The export of watermelons to foreign markets began in the first ten days of May, a week earlier than the previous year, with mass exports starting in mid-May.

During a relatively short period, Uzbekistan managed to export more than 30,000 tons of fresh watermelons, setting a record for the start of the export season. Preliminary trade statistics reveal that in May 2023 alone, Uzbekistan exported 30,400 tons of watermelons, amounting to $6.5mn in value. This represents a ninefold increase compared to the same period last year and a twelvefold increase compared to May 2021.

The most active period for watermelon exports from Uzbekistan to foreign markets typically occurs in the third ten days of May. During this time frame, approximately 95% of the month's total export takes place. Consequently, in the last ten days of May this year, around 29,000 tons of watermelons were shipped to foreign markets, averaging approximately 2,600 tons per day.

The optimistic start to this year's watermelon export season suggests that Uzbekistan has the potential to surpass the previous year's record by the end of 2023.