In previous years the early-season watermelons entered the market in early April. The watermelon market entered a four-month depression in June, 2017. The price of watermelons had already dropped to 0.4 yuan [0.06 USD] per 0.5 kg in the major production areas throughout the country by July 2017. Not only did the price fall below cost price, but in many areas watermelons became unsellable.
Some early-season watermelon varieties have already entered the market. Major production areas include Shandong, Yunnan, and Henan. Data shows that the average watermelon price in production areas throughout the country is 1.52 yuan [0.24 USD] per 0.5 kg, which is an increase of 35% in comparison with last month, and a decrease of 6% in comparison with the same period last year.
Based on current conditions in the watermelon market, it seems that market prices will remain stable for another month. The main reason for this development is that current market supply mainly consists of greenhouse watermelons with a relatively high cost price. Moreover, current supply is small scale and has not reached peak season. It is estimated that open field watermelons will enter the market in large volumes in June and July. The price of watermelons will then show a seasonal decrease.
Source: cnr.cn