The US, a major date importer, saw a 29 per cent increase, while Malaysia experienced a 16 per cent rise in imports of Saudi dates
The National Centre for Palms and Dates (NCPD) has reported a significant increase in Saudi Arabia’s date exports in the first quarter of 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, the value of exports surged by 13.7 per cent, reaching a total of SAR644 million. This growth is attributed to the focused effort by the NCPD, which collaborated with the private sector and relevant authorities to enhance the global appeal of Saudi dates, with the ultimate goal of making Saudi dates the preferred choice for global consumers.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the increase was not confined to a single market. Several countries experienced a substantial rise in imports of Saudi dates, with some even exceeding 100 per cent growth compared to Q1 2023. These countries include Austria, Norway, Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, and Canada. Exports to Morocco increased by 69 per cent, to Indonesia by 61 per cent, to the Republic of Korea by 41 per cent, and to the UK by 33 per cent. The US, a major date importer, saw a 29 per cent increase, while Malaysia experienced a 16 per cent rise in imports of Saudi dates.
This remarkable achievement is attributed to the “unlimited support” provided by the Saudi leadership for the palm and date sector, according to the centre. The NCPD’s ongoing efforts include developing the palm and date sector by working closely with industry stakeholders, streamlining export procedures, and providing marketing and industry information to global consumers.
Through continued dedication, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to further solidify its position as a leading exporter of high-quality dates, meeting the increasing international demand for this nutritious fruit.
