Melon production entered an off-season in Rio Grande do Norte/Ceará in April, with a lower volume than usual, due to more frequent rains in the region. As a result, exports in the period recorded more significant declines. The amount of melons shipped was just over 6,000 tons in April, down 68% compared to March/23 and 44% compared to April/22. In addition to the rains, the crisis on the European continent and the reduction of the national area (in view of the high costs) also resulted in this scenario.
For the 2023/24 season, which is in the negotiation phase, there are concerns about the crisis in the old continent and the lack of definition of maritime freight (although it signals a decline), which are delaying the closing of international contracts. The reduction of production costs in recent months, in turn, encourages producers.
Source: abrafrutas.org