Free of charge

Dates: Exports from Iran rise by 20%

August 28, 2019 at 11:10 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

TEHRAN. With yields ranging at 7.23 metric tonnes per hectare, Iran has the potential of producing the highest quality dates. With last year’s production ranging at 1.59 million metric tonnes the country currently ranks second after Egypt in the global market. While exports rose by as much as 20% last, the current season has started with setbacks.

Quality and supplies prompt rise in exports

Global date production ranges at 8.166 million metric tonnes, of which Iran on average supplies 1.23 million metric tonnes. Since the quality in Iran is reckoned to be very good, there is enormous potential for the export market. At 7 to 10 kg, the per capita consumption in Iran may range higher than the global average of just over one kg but still much lower than in other producing countries such as Saudi Arabia with 34 kg. In 2018/2019, Iran exported as much as 306.290 metric tonnes of dates, which is an increase of 20% over the year before. This increase is attributed to more attractive prices, an increase in supplies and an improvement in quality. Exports rose, even though the average export prices climbed by 10%. Profits also increased by 35%.

Export of dates, Iran

Season (April-March)

Exports (mt)

Export value (USD)

Average price (USD)

2017/2018

253,516

250,462,000

0.98

2018/2019

306,290

338,348,000

1.1

Trade sources


Setbacks in the current season

The rise in the average export prices also prompted traders to intensify exports. This, however, also drove up the prices in the domestic market. The government in turn issued a temporary ban on exports. Consequently, the export volume declined by 27% to 19,300 metric tonnes and the export value decreased by as much as 42% in the first month after the current season. Average export prices now range than last year at USD 0.88 per kg.

Prices, Mazafati Dates, Iran

Grade

EUR/kg

Grade A

1.28

Grade B

1.19

Premium Grade

1.42

FOB

 

View more information

price charts
price information 

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Oilseeds
Dec 29, 2025
SEEHEIM/IZMIR. The year 2025 had a lot to offer: new regulations and record prices were the order of the day in many markets, and climatic extremes were noticeable in many areas. Our business partner from the Turkish dried fruit market explains how market players have been facing these hurdles and what they expect for the coming year 2026. Read the full interview here.
Nuts
Dec 17, 2025
MANILA/NEW DELHI. According to T.M. Duché, export prices for desiccated coconuts remain stable, while coconut oil and copra are trading slightly weaker. In India, difficulties such as pest infestation and labour shortages are causing a decline in yields.
Dried Fruit
Dec 16, 2025
AYDIN. Turkish fig growers are complaining about this season's price developments. Around a third of farmers are still holding back their goods. Exports are slowly catching up.
Dried Fruit
Dec 16, 2025
MALATYA. At the Agricultural Chambers Coordination Meeting in Malatya, the damage caused by this year's frost disaster and plans for next year were discussed. State support is particularly important in this regard. Meanwhile, the market is stagnating.