Riyadh, March 01, 2024, According to data released by the National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD), Saudi Arabia's date exports witnessed a notable increase of 14% in 2023, reaching SAR 1.462 billion compared to SAR 1.280 billion in 2022. By the end of 2023, the number of countries importing Saudi dates had reached 119.
The total value of date and date-byproduct exports showed significant growth, increasing by 152.5% since 2016. In 2016, the total value was SAR 579 million, and it reached SAR 1.462 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%.
Dr. Mohammed Alnuwairan, the Chief Executive of NCPD, attributes this success to collaborative efforts among leadership, date producers, exporters, and public-sector agencies. These efforts involved participation in local and international exhibitions, organizing business missions, facilitating export procedures, and working in partnership with the private sector under a unified strategy to support date exports.
Alnuwairan emphasized promising advancements in the quality and production of processed date products, along with local and international marketing initiatives, to further solidify the position of Saudi dates in global markets. Notably, exports to China experienced a remarkable 121% surge in 2023 compared to 2022, while France recorded a 16% increase. Singapore and Korea also witnessed significant growth in date imports from Saudi Arabia, with increases of 86% and 24%, respectively.
NCPD, in collaboration with the private sector, has set ambitious goals to make Saudi dates the preferred choice for global consumers through initiatives such as expanding national exports, enhancing agricultural and industrial practices for improved quality, providing essential marketing services and industry information, and empowering the date sector through various support measures.
