Dates market in Libya

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Libyan date production increased steadily as farmers adopted modern planting techniques in regions such as Al-Jufra, Jalu, and Awjila, with over 10 million palm trees distributed. This boosted output, while domestic demand during Ramadan supported consumption. Despite some challenges in 2020 related to labor distribution and government support, production continued to rise, reaching a record near 180 thousand tons in 2021. Libya also started exporting dates to European markets, enhancing its international presence as the local market benefited from ample domestic supply.

The market volume peaked in 2022, facilitated by the launch of the annual date market in Sokna, which improved local trade and distribution strategies. However, in 2023, the market contracted slightly as debates over price reduction initiatives unsettled small and medium farmers and traders. Throughout this period, production remained strong in key regions, and interest grew in the Jalu international date exhibition to promote exports. By 2024, the focus shifted to cultivating premium Medjool dates in coastal areas like Misrata using sustainable and organic techniques, aiming to enhance food security and diversify the national economy.

Production dates in Libya

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Libya ranked as the 11th largest producer of dates globally.

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

Libya's date production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 177.6 thousand tonnes of dates, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 1.6%. Production hit its lowest point in 2018 at 173.7 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of date production in Libya fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 261.7 million US dollars, a 3.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 290.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 9.6%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 6.6%.

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

Exports dates from Libya

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 4.7-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, date shipments from Libya totaled 5 172 tonnes, representing a sharp rise of 196.3% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 48.1%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, surging by 205.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia were the leading destinations for Libya's date exports in volume terms, accounting for 49.8%, 17.6%, and 7.3% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 74.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Export volumes reached their peak in 2020 and their lowest point in 2017, with a 4.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, date deliveries from Libya were valued at 7 621 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp increase of 181.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 51.8%, while the most significant rise occurred in 2018, jumping by 245.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia were the primary buyers of Libyan dates in value terms, with shares of 62.9%, 9.2%, and 5.3% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three markets comprised 77.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports dates to Libya

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Libya's date imports amounted to 1 763 tonnes, down 37.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 42.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 22.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Tunisia dominated Libya's date import structure in volume terms, holding a 90.0% share of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively minor shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Libya's date import value totaled 1 434 thousand US dollars, a 7.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 15.8%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 997 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.4%. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 1 549 thousand US dollars, marking the biggest increase of 55.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia was the dominant source for Libya's date imports in value terms, accounting for 78.0% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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