Egypt, the world's leading date producer with an annual output of 1.87 million tons, exports only two percent of its production. This figure highlights the potential for expansion. As per the Agricultural Export Council (AEC), date exports contribute $90 million annually, representing just one percent of Egypt's total agricultural exports.
Saudi Arabia, the second-largest producer, consumes 80 percent of its 1.64 million tons locally, presenting an opportunity for Egypt to expand its export market. Currently, Egypt focuses on premium varieties like medjool, sukkary, khalas, and ajwa.
Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz from the National Research Centre suggests expanding semi-dry varieties, which are in high global demand, to boost exports. These varieties currently constitute only 20 percent of Egypt's date production. Abdel-Aziz advocates for a dedicated council to strategize export volume growth and meet global demand.
Hani Fouad, an Egyptian exporter, notes the sector's growth potential despite current marginal export levels. He highlights increasing international interest in Egyptian dates, especially Medjool. The global date trade was valued at $2.4 billion in 2024, with a 20 percent annual growth rate.
Fouad points out competition from Jordan, Palestine, and Israel. However, a boycott of Israeli products post-Gaza conflict could favor Egyptian exports. Israeli dates often use non-Hebrew labels to mislead consumers, but awareness of these practices is growing.
Egypt benefits from trade agreements, like the Egypt-Turkey Free Trade Agreement, which makes Egyptian Medjool dates attractive despite higher prices compared to Jordanian dates, which face tariffs in Turkey.
While Saudi dates are popular in Egypt, regions like Bahariya and Siwa produce competitive quality dates. Morocco, Indonesia, Turkey, and Russia are leading importers of Egyptian dates.
Fouad emphasizes the need for a clear agricultural roadmap for small investors and proximity to processing facilities to reduce costs. He notes high investment costs in date farming, with wells and saplings being significant expenses. Date palms require four to five years to mature, impacting investment timelines.
The FAO's National Date Palm and Date Strategy aims to increase Egypt's date export revenue to $250 million in five years and $500 million in ten years. The strategy also targets reducing post-harvest losses and supply chain costs, enhancing competitiveness.
The Business Research Company projects the international dates market to reach $36.14 billion by 2028, with a growth rate of 6.18 percent, reaching $50.43 billion by 2033.
Source: ahramonline