Egypt, the world’s largest date producer with an annual output of 1.87 million tons, currently exports only 2% of its production, highlighting significant growth potential. According to the Agricultural Export Council (AEC), date exports generate $90 million annually, contributing just 1% of Egypt’s total agricultural exports.
Expanding Market Opportunities
With Saudi Arabia—the second-largest date producer—consuming 80% of its 1.64 million ton output domestically, Egypt has an opportunity to strengthen its export market. The country currently exports premium date varieties such as Medjool, Sukkary, Khalas, and Ajwa, but experts suggest diversifying its offerings to include semi-dry varieties, which are in high global demand.
Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz of the National Research Centre advocates for expanding semi-dry date production, which currently accounts for only 20% of Egypt’s total output. He also recommends establishing a dedicated council to strategize export growth and meet international market demand.
Global Market Trends and Competition
Despite Egypt’s modest export levels, international interest in its dates, particularly Medjool, is increasing. The global date trade was valued at $2.4 billion in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 20%. However, competition remains strong from Jordan, Palestine, and Israel.
A potential advantage for Egyptian exporters is the boycott of Israeli products following the Gaza conflict. Israeli dates are often labeled without Hebrew to avoid consumer backlash, but awareness of these practices is growing. Additionally, Egypt benefits from trade agreements such as the Egypt-Turkey Free Trade Agreement, which gives its Medjool dates a competitive edge over Jordanian dates, which face tariffs in Turkey.
While Saudi dates remain popular in Egypt, local varieties from Bahariya and Siwa offer competitive quality. Major importers of Egyptian dates include Morocco, Indonesia, Turkey, and Russia.
Challenges and Strategic Goals
Egyptian exporter Hani Fouad highlights the need for a structured agricultural roadmap to support small investors and reduce processing costs. He emphasizes that date farming requires high investment, with wells and saplings being major expenses. Date palms take four to five years to mature, which extends investment timelines.
The FAO’s National Date Palm and Date Strategy aims to increase Egypt’s date export revenue to $250 million within five years and $500 million within a decade. The plan focuses on reducing post-harvest losses, improving supply chain efficiency, and enhancing competitiveness.
According to The Business Research Company, the global dates market is projected to reach $36.14 billion by 2028, growing at an annual rate of 6.18%, and could reach $50.43 billion by 2033.
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