As of mid-July 2025, Ukraine has imported over 7,260 tons of watermelons, primarily due to an unusually cold spring and a reduction in domestic production caused by the war and loss of fertile farmland. This year, local watermelons are expected to arrive on the market later than usual.
Currently, most of the watermelons sold in Ukraine are imported from Turkey, Greece, and Azerbaijan, along with smaller volumes from Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Moldova, and other countries.
All imported food products entering Ukraine, including watermelons, are subject to state controls regulated by the country's food safety authority.
Under Ukrainian law, imported watermelons are checked for origin, condition, and potential contaminants like nitrates and heavy metals.
Domestic watermelon production is expected to pick up in the coming weeks, but imports will continue to dominate the market until local harvests reach sufficient volume.
Source: dpss.gov.ua
