Dates Production by Country 2025
Dates represent a vital fruit crop in arid regions, with Egypt dominating production at 1,867,064 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,830,543 tonnes by 2025. The global harvest of 9,661,175 tonnes in 2023 represents a 3.8% rise year-over-year. Saudi Arabia follows with 1,642,993 tonnes, while Algeria produces 1,324,767 tonnes. These sweet fruits from date palm trees (Phoenix dactylifera) serve as dietary staples across Middle East and North Africa, providing essential nutrition and economic value. Production spans 38 countries, primarily in hot, arid climates where few other crops thrive.
Egypt leads with 1,867,064 tonnes, showing steady growth from 1,563,687 in 2018, representing approximately 25% of global production. Production concentrates in Nile Valley and oases where date palms thrive in hot, dry climate. Egyptian dates, particularly Medjool and Barhi varieties, serve domestic consumption and export markets. The country's production benefits from suitable climate, abundant land, and established cultivation practices. Government programs support quality improvement and export infrastructure development. Saudi Arabia produces 1,642,993 tonnes, Iran 1,024,117 tonnes, Iraq 635,947 tonnes, Oman 394,946 tonnes, UAE 329,447 tonnes, Kuwait 123,000 tonnes, and Yemen 66,797 tonnes. Middle Eastern production serves domestic consumption where dates hold cultural and religious significance. The region produces premium varieties commanding high prices. However, water scarcity and climate change challenge production sustainability. Investment in efficient irrigation and heat-tolerant varieties supports adaptation. Algeria contributes 1,324,767 tonnes, Tunisia 386,396 tonnes, Libya 188,289 tonnes, Morocco 107,376 tonnes, Sudan 442,674 tonnes, and Mauritania 22,205 tonnes. North African dates serve domestic markets and exports to Europe and Asia. The region emphasizes traditional varieties with unique flavors. Saharan oases provide ideal growing conditions. However, desertification and water availability constrain expansion. Sustainable water management remains critical for long-term production. Dates provide exceptional nutrition with 75% carbohydrates (natural sugars), fiber, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. High energy density (280 kcal/100g) makes dates valuable for quick energy. Consumed fresh (rutab), semi-dry (khalal), or fully dried. Used in traditional dishes, desserts, and as natural sweetener. Growing health consciousness drives demand as natural sugar alternative. Processing creates date syrup, paste, and powder for food industry applications. Date palms thrive in hot, arid climates with temperatures 35-45°C and minimal rainfall. Trees require deep-rooted access to groundwater or irrigation. Begin bearing in 4-5 years, reaching full production at 10-15 years, and remain productive for 60-100 years. Major challenges include water scarcity in arid regions, red palm weevil causing tree death, Bayoud disease (fusarium wilt), and climate change bringing extreme temperatures. Pollination requires manual intervention or wind. Harvest timing critical for quality and market value. Date prices vary widely: premium Medjool $5-15/kg, standard varieties $2-5/kg, processing grades $1-2/kg. Middle Eastern and North African countries dominate exports. Growing demand in Western markets for natural sweeteners drives consumption. Ramadan creates seasonal demand spikes. However, water costs, pest management, and labor requirements affect profitability. Organic and premium varieties command significant price premiums. Climate change poses long-term production risks. Global date production projected to grow moderately through 2025, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintaining dominance. Growing health consciousness supports consumption as natural sweetener alternative. Export markets expand in Asia and Western countries. Climate change poses significant risks through water scarcity and extreme temperatures. The industry invests in efficient irrigation, pest management, and heat-tolerant varieties. Dates' nutritional profile and cultural significance ensure continued importance despite water challenges and climate risks in arid production regions.🏆 Egypt's Market Leadership
Dates Production by Country 2025
1
1,830,543
2
1,617,882
3
1,273,484
4
1,054,809
5
681,315
6
488,110
7
446,173
8
385,407
9
372,898
10
346,749
11
184,756
12
161,447
13
124,966
14
112,090
15
108,351
16
68,924
17
66,746
18
52,041
19
33,682
20
29,340
21
22,155
22
21,829
23
19,593
24
18,169
25
17,165
26
14,809
27
14,218
28
13,960
29
2,970
30
1,524
31
1,445
32
1,086
33
736
34
588
35
485
36
310
37
133
38
49
🌍 Middle Eastern Production
🌍 North African Production
💪 Nutritional Value and Uses
🌱 Cultivation and Challenges
📈 Market Dynamics
🔮 Market Outlook
Dates Production by Country 2025
#
1
1,563,687
1,644,210
1,711,200
1,713,610
1,847,629
1,867,064
1,830,543
2
1,302,859
1,539,756
1,541,769
1,565,830
1,610,731
1,642,993
1,617,882
3
1,094,700
1,136,025
1,151,909
1,188,803
1,244,467
1,324,767
1,273,484
4
1,356,684
1,307,908
1,237,317
1,168,066
1,030,460
1,024,117
1,054,809
5
646,163
639,315
735,353
750,225
710,989
635,947
681,315
6
446,995
564,904
560,184
838,251
228,555
503,787
488,110
7
413,600
438,700
465,323
460,097
442,722
442,674
446,173
8
368,808
376,850
368,577
374,200
376,980
394,946
385,407
9
305,000
289,000
332,000
345,000
369,000
386,396
372,898
10
345,119
341,246
351,462
382,988
351,426
329,447
346,749
11
173,680
174,850
177,630
179,570
182,327
188,289
184,756
12
164,356
160,132
161,300
161,930
161,121
161,450
161,447
13
111,701
101,537
143,160
150,301
137,394
107,376
124,966
14
96,656
105,648
111,750
97,700
103,500
123,000
112,090
15
46,676
51,317
60,661
77,131
97,560
127,314
108,351
16
44,580
43,412
48,984
55,368
67,000
75,500
68,924
17
46,550
64,375
64,331
66,139
67,065
66,797
66,746
18
37,240
55,701
56,790
61,190
58,510
44,500
52,041
19
29,012
25,843
26,607
28,716
33,886
35,547
33,682
20
26,190
23,375
25,034
23,268
29,527
31,657
29,340
21
22,004
22,291
22,316
22,062
22,134
22,205
22,155
22
21,201
21,404
21,739
22,011
21,718
21,823
21,829
23
28,360
7,730
8,080
25,085
20,855
16,640
19,593
24
8,946
12,365
19,863
19,244
19,465
16,962
18,169
25
17,439
16,755
16,867
17,153
17,158
17,174
17,165
26
13,423
14,035
14,571
14,454
14,868
14,916
14,809
27
14,095
14,399
14,141
14,212
14,251
14,201
14,218
28
12,900
13,500
13,800
13,800
14,000
14,000
13,960
29
4,028
3,567
2,859
2,857
2,382
3,368
2,970
30
694
1,019
1,300
1,500
1,691
1,434
1,524
31
1,437
1,462
1,437
1,446
1,448
1,444
1,445
32
1,072
1,072
1,081
1,084
1,086
1,087
1,086
33
670
670
846
730
715
751
736
34
588
585
589
587
587
588
588
35
274
367
397
390
481
526
485
36
309
309
311
310
310
310
310
37
127
128
128
127
130
136
133
38
12
16
42
55
56
42
49
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most dates in the world?
Egypt is the world's largest dates producer with 1,867,064 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,830,543 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 25% of global production. Saudi Arabia ranks second with 1,642,993 tonnes, followed by Algeria at 1,324,767 tonnes. Egypt's production concentrates in Nile Valley and oases where date palms thrive in hot, dry climate. Egyptian dates, particularly Medjool and Barhi varieties, serve domestic consumption and growing export markets.
Why are dates important in Middle Eastern and North African cultures?
Dates hold profound cultural and religious significance in Middle East and North Africa, mentioned in Quran and consumed to break Ramadan fasts. The fruit provides essential nutrition in arid regions where few crops grow, offering quick energy and vital nutrients. Date palms symbolize life and prosperity in desert environments. Traditional hospitality includes offering dates to guests. The crop supports rural livelihoods in harsh climates, providing food security and economic value where agricultural options are limited.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 12.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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