Dates: moderate rise in production
August 24, 2026 at 4:30 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
3% larger crop
A rise in global table date production is expected for the 2026/2027 season. According to the July issue of the Nutfruit Magazine published by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, the figure is estimated at 1.36 million mt, as was already indicated during the INC Congress in May. This would represent a 3% increase in production compared with last year. A moderate increase in crops is expected for many origins, including major growing countries such as Saudi Arabia (+2% to 295,000 mt), Egypt (+3% to 195,000 mt), the United Arab Emirates (+3% to 175,000 mt) and Tunisia (+1% to 152,000 mt) . Significantly higher growth rates are also forecast in Algeria (+6%) and Israel (8%), Morocco (+13%) and Jordan (+15%), whilst Sudan is expected to record a decline of 17% to 5,000 mt. Meanwhile, Iran, Iraq and Oman are expected to achieve crops similar to those of last year.
Total supply is estimated at 1.666 million mt, around 100,000 mt higher than in 2025/2026. The market forecast, meanwhile, depends on several factors. Geopolitical developments and trade policy remain crucial; according to the INC report, the situation in the Middle East continues to affect supply routes and purchasing decisions, with some buyers turning to alternative origins. In Europe, demand for table dates is growing, driven by increased health awareness amongst consumers and the growing year-round availability in retail outlets.
|
Global table date production, in mt |
|||
|
Country |
2025/26 |
2026/27 |
Diff. |
|
Saudi Arabia |
290,000 |
295,000 |
1.7% |
|
Egypt |
190,000 |
195,000 |
2.6% |
|
UAE |
170,000 |
175,000 |
2.9% |
|
Tunisia |
150,000 |
152,000 |
1.3% |
|
Iran |
130,000 |
130,000 |
0.0% |
|
Algeria |
90,000 |
95,000 |
5.6% |
|
Iraq |
70,000 |
70,000 |
0.0% |
|
Israel |
60,000 |
65,000 |
8.3% |
|
Morocco |
40,000 |
45,000 |
12.5% |
|
Jordan |
26,000 |
30,000 |
15.4% |
|
USA |
25,000 |
27,000 |
8.0% |
|
Pakistan |
25,000 |
26,000 |
4.0% |
|
Oman |
25,000 |
25,000 |
0.0% |
|
Mexico |
20,000 |
22,000 |
10.0% |
|
Sudan |
6,000 |
5,000 |
-16.7% |
|
Libya |
3,000 |
3,000 |
0.0% |
|
Total |
1,320,000 |
1,360,000 |
3.0% |
|
INC, July 2026 |
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EU countries increase date imports
Between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026, EU countries imported a total of 165,865 mt of dates (+1.4%) worth EUR 422.257 million (+2.8%); the average import price of EUR 2.55/kg was slightly higher than last year’s level (EUR 2.51/kg). With 71,978 mt, accounting for 43% of total imports, Tunisia remains not only by far the most important supplier but also managed to increase its shipments by a further 14% year-on-year. Meanwhile, imports from other major origins such as Algeria (-7% to 24,981 mt), Israel (-21% to 17,840 mt) and Iran (-3% to 14,709 mt) declined. The main buyer within the EU was France (-8% to 37,260 mt), followed by Germany (+11% to 29,099 mt), Italy (+10% to 27,220 mt) and the Netherlands (-7% to 22,719 mt).
|
EU date imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024/25 |
2025/26 |
Diff. |
|
Tunisia |
63,197 |
71,978 |
13.9% |
|
Algeria |
26,827 |
24,981 |
-6.9% |
|
Israel |
22,472 |
17,840 |
-20.6% |
|
Iran |
15,195 |
14,709 |
-3.2% |
|
Pakistan |
9,952 |
10,490 |
5.4% |
|
Occupied Palestinian Territories |
5,411 |
5,951 |
10.0% |
|
Saudi Arabia |
5,135 |
4,067 |
-20.8% |
|
UAE |
4,734 |
3,896 |
-17.7% |
|
Jordan |
2,051 |
2,846 |
38.8% |
|
Egypt |
1,998 |
2,467 |
23.5% |
|
Others |
6,668 |
6,640 |
-0.4% |
|
Total |
163,640 |
165,865 |
1.4% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/08-31/07 08041000 Fresh or dried dates |
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Price rise in Iran
On the European spot market, offers for pitted dates from Iran are currently at a level of EUR 1.57/kg EXW Poland, whilst pitted dates from Pakistan are currently being offered at around EUR 1.27/kg EXW. Medjool dates from Israel were priced at EUR 4.39/kg EXW Poland at the end of July.
Price indications for Iranian dates have risen significantly over the past four weeks and currently stand at EUR 1.30/kg FOB Iran for Mazafati (Premium), whilst Piarom dates are quoted at EUR 3.94/kg FOB.
|
Dates, Iran |
|||
|
Type |
Grade |
EUR/kg |
USD/kg |
|
|
Grade A |
1.31 |
1.53 |
|
Grade B |
1.30 |
1.52 |
|
|
Premium |
1.67 |
1.98 |
|
|
Piarom |
Premium |
3.94 |
4.60 |
|
Zahedi |
Premium |
0.98 |
1.14 |
|
Sayer |
Premium |
0.79 |
0.92 |
|
FOB Iran, order volume 1 mt |
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