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How to Import Dates From Gulf Countries

Dates import data

Key Highlights

  • In 2023, the global market for dates was projected to be valued at $29.48 billion.
  • Egypt is the largest producer of dates worldwide, with 1.73 million metric tons of this tropical fruit grown there in 2022.
  • As per dates import data, the top dates importing countries are: India, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, and France.
  • There are   types of dates imported worldwide, like Medjool dates, Ajwa dates, Deglet Noor dates, Sukkari dates, etc.
  • The top dates HSN codes are 0804.10, 0804.10.20.00, 0804.10.40.00, and 0804.10.60.00.
  • The top dates importers in India are Fast Track CFS Private Limited, Bait Al Tamur Co., and Faaris International.

Dates have become a staple in most countries, offering an unbeatable combination of versatile utility and numerous health benefits. In some countries, they are consumed as dry fruit; however, in the Middle East and African countries, they are part of the cuisine and are used to make pastries and other delicacies.

Dates imports from gulf countries are increasing year on year, and many businesses engaged in the date trade are extracting high profits. This blog will discuss strategies to import dates from Gulf countries. Additionally, we will have an overview of dry dates HSN codes, dates import data, and more.

What is the market size for dates?

The market for dates worldwide was estimated to be worth $29.48 billion in 2023 and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.91% to reach $49.14 billion by 2032.

With a market share of 85.21%, the Middle East and Africa dominated the dates market in 2023.

There are a number of reasons why the date market is anticipated to expand more quickly, including:

  • Health benefits: Dates are high in fibre, which can prevent stomach cancer and enhance digestive health, and they are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
  • Growing demand: Consumers' desire for bakery goods, cookies, desserts, and healthy snacks is rising.
  • Diets based on plants and veganism: The popularity of these diets fuels the demand for date-based products.
  • Governmental initiatives: In order to promote the consumption and import dates from gulf countries worldwide, Saudi Arabia, for instance, established a digital platform in 2022.

Which country is the largest producer of dates?

In 2022, the global production of dates was 9.91 million metric tons.

Egypt is the world's biggest producer of dates, having grown around 1.73 million metric tons of tropical fruit in 2022 alone.

Other top-producing countries include:

  • Saudi Arabia: 1.61 million metric tonnes
  • Algeria: 1.25 million metric tonnes
  • Oman: 0.38 million metric tonnes
  • Tunisia: 0.37 million metric tonnes

Dates producing countries

Explore top dates importing countries

Here is the list of top dates importing countries:

Rank Top Dates Importers Worldwide Import Quantity in Metric Tonnes
1 India 490,589
2 Morocco  132,465
3 Turkey 64,676
4 Pakistan 56,522
5 France 47,099
6 Kazakhstan 35,581
7 China 28,460
8 Germany 26,458
9 UK 24,148
10 Netherland 18,736

Top dates importing countries chart

India is the largest date importer in the world. Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, and France also import dates from Gulf countries.

Furthermore, dates import data is a valuable tool if you are in the import business and trade internationally. We recommend you visit Seair Exim Solutions to discover the authentic and latest list of dates importers in India, dry dates HSN codes, or much more.

Types of dates imported worldwide

Here is the data on imports of dates from gulf countries:

  • Medjool dates: Known as the "king of dates," these large, soft, and sweet dates are frequently imported from Israel and the United States. They can be used in desserts or as a snack, which is prevalent in India
  • Ajwa dates: Often imported from Saudi Arabia, these small, soft dates have a distinct sweet taste. They are thought to offer numerous health advantages.
  • Deglet Noor dates: "Queen of dates," as these semi-dry dates are called, are frequently imported from Algeria and Tunisia.
  • Sukkari dates: Prevalent throughout the Middle East, these soft, golden dates are frequently imported from Saudi Arabia.
  • Khudri dates: These dates, imported from Saudi Arabia, are extensively available throughout Bangladesh.

What is the HS code for dates?

Both dried and fresh dates have the same Harmonised System (HS) code, 0804. The following dates HSN codes are more precise:

Dates HSN Codes Product Description
804.1 Whole dates, with or without pits 
0804.10.20.00 Packed in units weighing not more than 4.6 kg 
0804.10.40.00 With pits 
0804.10.60.00 With pits removed 
8041020 Soft dates, such as khayzur or wet dates 
8041030 Hard dates, such as Chhohara or Kharek 


These date HS codes partially determine supply chain benefits, admissibility, and compliance that make the process of import dates from gulf countries smoother. Additionally, visit Seair Exim Solutions to view the complete list of dates HSN codes, dates import data, dates buyers, and suppliers.

How to import dates from Gulf countries

Before proceeding to import dates from Gulf countries, let's examine the top Gulf countries that are crucial when it comes to import dates.

Based on dates import data, here is the list of Gulf countries with their date export value: 

  • Saudi Arabia: $331 million
  • United Arab Emirates: $284 million
  • Tunisia: $271 million
  • Israel: $225 million
  • Iran: $153 million

Dates Import From Gulf Countries

Additionally, now it's time to go through the points that are needed to keep in mind while importing dates from Gulf countries:

Regulations

To import dates from gulf countries, it is crucial to respect import and export laws, labelling specifications, and food safety compliance to stay out of trouble with the law and win over customers.

Seair Exim solutions

Through this platform, importers can get in touch with reputable international vendors of dates and other food products with just one subscription.

Import Duty

It might differ depending on the country. Establishing the tariff valuation and duty rate for import dates from gulf countries is essential to developing a business plan.

Documents to import dates from Gulf countries

  • A commercial invoice (from the exporter addressed to the importer) detailing the total quantity, goods description, and the total value of each item.
  • Certificate of origin stating the origin of goods approved by the country of origin’s chamber of commerce.
  • We provide a detailed packing list, including the weight, method of packing, and HS code for each article in the shipment.
  • Import permits from authorized authorities are necessary to import restricted or duty-exempted goods.

How do I locate dates importers in India?

To analyze the most recent list of dates importers in India and worldwide, visit Seair Exim Solutions' data-driven dashboard. Seair Exim Solutions is a company that offers trustworthy, up-to-date, and genuine information about international trade for over 120 countries and provides trade data.

In conclusion, import dates from gulf countries are intricate and need to be carefully planned and carried out. Nonetheless, since it enables companies to satisfy the growing demand from domestic consumers, it is a lucrative endeavor. By remembering this blog's points, you will increase your chances of success in the international date import market. To enquire about dates import data or dates export data in more detail, please contact Seair Exim Solutions. We will propel your company to new heights!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which country imports the most dates?

The top date importers worldwide include India, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, France, Kazakhstan, China, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands.

Q2. Which countries import dates to India?

India imports various dates from different nations, such as Zahedi from Iraq, Mazafati or Kimia from Iran, Deglet Nour from Tunisia and Algeria, and Burni from Saudi Arabia.

Q3. How to import dates to the USA?

In order to successfully import dates into the United States, it is essential to adhere to import and export regulations, labeling requirements, and food safety compliance in order to avoid legal issues and win over customers.

Q4. Who is the largest exporter of dates?

Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of dates with an export value of $331 million in 2023.

Q5. Which country is the largest importer of dates?

In 2023-23, India imported 490,589 metric tons of dates, making it the largest date importer worldwide.

 

Global Dates Importers

India import dates from gulf countries

China import dates from gulf countries

Kazakhstan import dates from gulf countries

Top dates HSN code

Dates HSN Code: 080410

  • Seair Exim
  • 20-Sep-2024

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