Dates market in Jordan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Jordanian dates market adjusted following the introduction of strict quality standards for both imported and local dates in 2020, which contributed to a sharp reduction in imports. At the same time, international demand for high-quality Jordanian varieties, particularly Medjool, grew, supporting a surge in exports. These shifts, occurring alongside the continued expansion of palm cultivation under the national agricultural development strategy, led to a decrease in the domestic market volume to 17 004 t in 2021, even as production remained steady.

Beginning in 2022, a significant increase in production to 29 527 t, driven by expanded plantation areas and investments in agricultural technology, restored the market volume to 27 562 t. This growth continued into 2023, with production reaching 31 657 t and the market volume climbing to 29 890 t. The organization of international date festivals and a partnership with the Khalifa International Award enhanced product promotion, bolstering both exports and domestic demand, especially during Ramadan. In 2024, sector development continued with state-supported harvest season initiatives focusing on water supply projects and the application of stringent quality standards for exports.

Production dates in Jordan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Jordan ranked as the 19th largest producer of dates globally.

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

In 2020, Jordan produced 25 034 tonnes of dates, representing a moderate increase of 7.1% compared to the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 23 375 tonnes, while the peak was recorded in 2018 with 26 190 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Jordan in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dates from Jordan

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Jordan's exports of dates totaled 6 260 tonnes, showing a slight rise of 0.9% from the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 27.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.4%. The highest export volume was in 2018 at 6 603 tonnes, while the largest decline of 6.0% occurred in 2019. The most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, with a jump of 34.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan's date exports were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 17.6% of exports in kind, Qatar for 11.5%, and Lebanon for 7.6%. Together, these three countries represented just 36.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Jordan's date exports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 29 056 thousand US dollars—a dramatic rise of 30.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports surged by 126.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the United Kingdom played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of Jordanian dates in value terms. The UAE accounted for 17.3% of export value, Qatar for 15.5%, and the United Kingdom for 8.2%. Collectively, these three countries made up only 40.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports dates to Jordan

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Jordan's imports of dates amounted to 6 091 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 60.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 59%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 25.7%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 447 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 13.3%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Saudi Arabia and Iraq were the key sources for Jordan's date imports in kind, jointly accounting for 80.0% of total flows. Other trading partners contributed much smaller shares individually.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Jordan's date imports reached 17 408 thousand US dollars, down by 18.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 span, imports fell by 19.8%, with an annualized rate of decline of 7.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, rising by 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of Jordan's date imports in value terms was characterized by the predominance of Saudi Arabia, which absorbed 74.4% of total flows, alongside a large number of minor partners.

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

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