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Dates: Exports from Iran rise by 20%

August 28, 2019 at 11:10 AM , Der AUDITOR
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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

 

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