Saudi Arabia has claimed the top spot in global date exports for the fourth year in a row, with exports reaching 1.938 billion riyals, approximately $516.8 million, in 2025. This represents a 14.3% increase from the previous year and a 59.5% rise since 2021. The country's date industry has been steadily growing, with over 37 million date palm trees and a national production of over 1.9 million tons.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) cited data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) as the source of this information. The country's date exports are now shipped to over 125 countries, according to the National Centre for Palm Trees and Dates (NCPD). The NCPD's director-general, Ahmad Al-Musa, attributed the growth to support for the industry and coordination between public and private sectors to develop supply chains and improve export efficiency.
The global date export market is significant, with Saudi Arabia leading the way. In 2024, the top five exporters were Saudi Arabia, Israel, Tunisia, Egypt, and the Netherlands. Saudi Arabia's exports were valued at $452.2 million in 2024, which increased to $516.8 million in 2025. This growth demonstrates the country's commitment to expanding its date industry and increasing its global market share.
The Tunisian date industry is also significant, with the country ranking third globally in 2024. Tunisia's date exports were valued at $307.4 million in 2024. While the country's 2025 export data is not available, its position as a major player in the global date market is clear. The industry is a vital part of Tunisia's economy, and the country's date exports are likely to continue growing.
The growth of Saudi Arabia's date industry can be attributed to various factors, including support from the government and the private sector. The country's efforts to improve supply chains, increase production, and expand its global market share have paid off. With over 37 million date palm trees and a production of over 1.9 million tons, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to maintain its lead in the global date market.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) provides valuable data on global trade, including date exports. According to the ITC, Saudi Arabia's date exports have been steadily increasing over the years. The country's commitment to expanding its date industry and increasing its global market share is evident in its export data.
As the global demand for dates continues to grow, countries like Saudi Arabia and Tunisia are well-positioned to meet this demand. With their large production capacities and commitment to expanding their global market share, these countries are likely to remain major players in the global date market for years to come.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia leads global date exports for fourth consecutive year with $516.8 million in exports.
- The country's date industry has grown significantly, with over 37 million date palm trees and a national production of over 1.9 million tons.
- Tunisia ranks third globally in date exports, valued at $307.4 million in 2024.
