Dates market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the volume of the dates market in China increased from 174.9 thousand tons to 191.0 thousand tons. Domestic production remained stable, fluctuating between 160 and 164 thousand tons annually. The market expansion was primarily driven by a steady rise in imports, which more than doubled from 10.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 28.5 thousand tons in 2023.

In 2024, imports of dates grew further to 35.2 thousand tons. This increase coincided with China's broader economic stabilization and recovering consumer demand. Policy measures such as tariff reductions, customs facilitation, and increased import quotas for cross-border e-commerce improved market access for imported dates. Concurrent shifts in consumer preferences towards digital, green, and health-conscious consumption also supported sustained demand for premium food products.

Production dates in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, China ranked 12th globally in date production.

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

In 2020, China produced 163.1 thousand tons of dates, marking a slight increase of 1.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 164.4 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 3.1%.

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

Exports dates from China

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China's cross-border shipments of dates totaled 10 tons, reflecting a significant year-over-year decline of 64.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong and North Korea were the primary buyers of dates from China, together accounting for 90.4% of total exports in volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, China's date exports were valued at 29 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp decrease of 41.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 83.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 45.4%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, North Korea and Hong Kong together represented 95.8% of China's total date exports in value terms. The rest of the export value was spread thinly across other markets.

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

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

Imports dates to China

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of dates to China increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 12 528 tons, indicating a modest year-over-year rise of 4.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 48.8%, with an average annual increase of 14.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Iran were the key partners for China's date imports in volume. Iraq accounted for 35.4% of imports, Saudi Arabia for 24.0%, and Iran for 22.7%, together making up 82.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After rising for two years, China's date imports from abroad declined. In 2020, imports stood at 5 056 thousand US dollars, which is 19.4% lower year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 21.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 271 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 24.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of China's date imports in value terms. Saudi Arabia represented 29.7% of imports, Iraq 24.9%, and Iran 19.7%, together accounting for 74.3% of total import flows.

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

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