Dates market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the US dates market underwent a notable transformation in its supply base. Domestic production expanded sharply, rising from 37 240 t to a peak of 61 190 t in 2021, while imports contracted significantly from 37 335 t to 25 252 t. The total market volume, after a dip to 60 776 t in 2020, recovered steadily to reach 67 974 t by 2022. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, declining in 2020 before climbing above $300 million.

In 2023, the market volume grew slightly to 68 778 t, with its value increasing by 8% to $335.0 million. This growth was primarily driven by rising consumer health consciousness, which bolstered demand for dates as a natural sweetener and nutritious snack. The rapid expansion of online retail channels further supported market growth by making these products more accessible to a wider audience.

Production dates in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, the United States ranked as the 16th largest producer of dates from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of dates, 2017-2020

World map of production of dates, 2017-2020

Dates production in the United States grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 56 790 tonnes of dates, representing a 2.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 44.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 13.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 37 240 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 5.2%, while the largest increase was observed in 2019, when production surged by 49.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of dates output in the United States reached 268.6 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 4.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 246.0 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 280.8 million US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2018, with a 4.8% drop, and the most substantial increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports dates from the United States

Exports in kind, t

The United States saw its dates export volume grow for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 18 923 tonnes, up by 27.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 113.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 28.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, Canada, and Australia were the top buyers of dates from the United States in terms of volume. Mexico accounted for 34.3% of exports, Canada for 23.0%, and Australia for 18.7%. Together, these three countries represented 76.1% of total exports in kind.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of dates exports from the United States increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 89 508 thousand US dollars worth of dates, marking a 20.0% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 53.5%, with an annualized rate of 15.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, Australia, and Mexico were the key partners for dates exports from the United States in value terms. Canada made up 29.5% of exports, Australia 24.0%, and Mexico 18.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 72.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports dates to the United States

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United States imported 22 910 tonnes of dates, indicating a 9.3% year-over-year reduction. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 37 335 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 32.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a surge of 80.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia, Algeria, and Mexico were the main sources for dates imports into the United States in terms of volume. Tunisia contributed 29.9% of imports, Algeria 19.6%, and Mexico 15.9%. Together, these three countries represented 65.4% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a two-fold swing between these years. In 2020, the United States imported approximately 66 247 thousand US dollars worth of dates, which is 3.0% less than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 98 909 thousand US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019, with a 31.0% decrease, and the most substantial increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 99.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Tunisia, Algeria, and Israel were the key partners for dates imports into the United States in value terms. Tunisia accounted for 30.3% of imports, Algeria for 19.4%, and Israel for 17.5%. Collectively, these three countries made up 67.2% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020