Dates market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the dates market volume in Africa increased from 3 659 thousand tons to 3 962 thousand tons. This growth was supported by the expansion of date palm cultivation in major producing countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where agricultural land in desert areas was enlarged. The introduction of new varieties such as Medjool and Barhi broadened the product range, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted demand for healthy food items, including dates. Concurrent state investments in the industry's development further reinforced production capacity.

Market expansion continued through 2021 and 2022, reaching 4 238 thousand tons. The launch of new processed products, like carbonated soft drinks made from dates in Saudi Arabia, created additional consumption avenues. Egypt's issuance of new quality standards for dates, such as the Medjool specification No. 8733, alongside export-support policies in both countries, facilitated access to premium markets in Europe and India. The distribution landscape also evolved with the growing prominence of online sales channels.

In 2023, the market volume saw a slight stabilization at 4 213 thousand tons. The industry focus shifted toward enhancing quality and value: Egypt introduced a revised standard for Medjool dates to strengthen export competitiveness, and increased investments in research and development aimed at improving varietal traits and sustainable, eco-friendly packaging to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Production dates in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

Africa's date production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the continent produced 4 063 thousand tonnes of dates, marking a 5.1% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of date production in Africa reached 11 969 million US dollars, reflecting a 6.7% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 32.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.1%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2018 at 28.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports dates from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Africa's date exports have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the continent exported 176.0 thousand tonnes of dates, representing a 14.5% year-on-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 29.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Africa's date exports in volume terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. France accounted for 12.2% of exports, the United States for 5.0%, and Germany for 4.7%, with these three countries together representing just 21.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Africa's date exports were valued at 518.5 million US dollars, showing a solid 16.2% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 56.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 4.7%, while the highest increase occurred in 2018 at 41.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017 to 2020, Africa's date exports in value terms were directed to many different markets. Even the top destinations—France, Indonesia, and the United States—together accounted for only 28.3% of total export value, highlighting the diversity of trade partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports dates to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Africa's date imports in volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 75.2 thousand tonnes, indicating a solid 13.1% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 22.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 86.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 26.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Africa's date imports in volume terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key suppliers. The United Arab Emirates contributed 22.4% of imports, Saudi Arabia 9.4%, and China 0.9%, with these three countries together making up only 32.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Africa's date imports in value terms decreased. In 2020, imports amounted to 220.2 million US dollars, showing a gradual 4.2% decline from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 42.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 229.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 40.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates accounted for 22.8% of Africa's date imports in value terms, Saudi Arabia for 11.9%, and Iraq for 1.2%. Together, these three suppliers formed the largest group, but their combined share was limited to 35.9% of total import value, reflecting a diversified supplier structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020