Myanmar is expanding its watermelon export market to the Middle East, a move that will enable it to reduce its reliance on China.

The first-ever shipment of Myanmar watermelons will set sail for the United Arab Emirates today (December 13).

“We have been exporting watermelons for the past 30 years and this is the first time we are engaging with the UAE. We will also be exporting to Qatar as well as Singapore soon,” said U Naing Win, chair of the Myanmar Melon Producers and Exporters Association.

The development follows a Dubai order for Myanmar watermelons submitted to local organic fruit company Future Glory, committing to purchase the fruit for a period of one year. However, no volumes were specified, said U Kyaw Ko Ko Win, owner of Future Glory. The first order will consist of around 25 tonnes of seedless watermelons.

The UAE is also looking to buy mangos and pineapples and exports will begin when the harvest season comes. If the watermelon exports to UAE goes well, exports will continue to Qatar and Singapore. Watermelons can grow throughout the year in Myanmar.

More importantly, this could potentially enable Myanmar to diversify away from the Chinese market. “In the past, we had to rely on the China market alone, making prices volatile as they were dependent on demand from one buyer,” said U Naing Win.

“If we are able to export regularly to Dubai, Qatar and Singapore, we won't face such problems. The price will be more stable as these countries make orders by the container whereas watermelons are delivered to China on trucks, which are subject to customs checks and driver availability.”

More recently, with the COVID-19 pandemic, watermelon supplies have fallen in Myanmar after China shut down its borders. This has led local farmers to reduce supply. Currently, Myanmar watermelons are trading at a high of 6500 yuan per tonne at Chinese fruit markets, according to the Muse fruits trade centre.