Dates market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The North African dates market volume grew steadily from 3.5 million tons in 2018 to nearly 4.0 million tons by 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by rising consumption in Europe and other new markets, which encouraged regional production. Algeria, a key producer, reported a 7% production increase in 2021, supported by investments in expanding cultivated areas, improving agricultural techniques, and growing demand for its natural and organic date varieties.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains, but dates remained a staple with stable demand, particularly during Ramadan. North African producers adapted their logistics and strategies to maintain access to international markets. In the following years, continued growth was supported by favorable agricultural policies in countries like Tunisia, which boosted exports through international promotion, while regional geopolitical tensions occasionally influenced trade flows.

Production dates in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's date production volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3,981 thousand tonnes of dates, marking a 5.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of date output in Northern Africa was 7,628 million US dollars, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 9.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7,606 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 8,951 million US dollars. The largest decline of 15.0% was observed in 2019, whereas the highest increase of 6.5% took place in 2018.

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

Exports dates from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Date exports from Northern Africa have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, shipments totaled 242.7 thousand tonnes, representing a 13.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 77.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, dates from Northern Africa were exported to a diverse range of markets. The top destinations—Niger (15.7% of exports in kind), France (12.8%), and the United States (5.2%)—collectively accounted for 33.7% of total exports in kind, with numerous smaller markets making up the remaining 66.3%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, date exports from Northern Africa reached 464.9 million US dollars, reflecting an 8.3% uptick compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 46.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 13.5%. The largest decline of 4.9% was recorded in 2019, while the highest increase of 42.1% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, dates from Northern Africa were traded with many countries. Even the largest destinations—France, Indonesia, and the United States—together represented only 29.8% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports dates to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year rise, date import volumes into Northern Africa declined. In 2020, the region imported 32.2 thousand tonnes of dates, reflecting a 34.2% reduction from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 48.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 27.6% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (30.8% of imports in kind), Saudi Arabia (6.5%), and Iraq (1.5%) remained the leading sources in the import structure, with a combined share of 38.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year increase, date import volumes into Northern Africa declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 166.6 million US dollars, which is 10.1% less compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 35.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 185.3 million US dollars, while the largest increase of 47.2% took place in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (23.8% of imports in value terms), Saudi Arabia (9.6%), and Iraq (1.5%) together absorbed 34.9% of total import value for dates into Northern Africa, making them the primary sources.

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

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