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The National Center for Palms and Dates report placed the 2023 export total at 1.463 billion Saudi riyals or roughly 390 million dollars based on United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database figures. General Authority for Statistics data showed the kingdom produced more than 1.9 million tonnes of dates that year as international demand continued to build. The performance marked the fourth successive year of global leadership in both export value and overall production volume.
Saudi dates reached consumers in 119 countries by the end of 2023 according to the National Center for Palms and Dates. Export values have risen 152.5 percent since 2016 with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3 percent over that span the center reported. These gains reflect coordinated work to improve quality standards and open new markets for Saudi agricultural products.
Collaborative efforts among producers exporters and government agencies have simplified export procedures and strengthened international marketing campaigns the National Center for Palms and Dates stated. The center has focused on elevating the reputation of Saudi dates as a premium high-quality item in line with national economic diversification priorities. Such initiatives have helped integrate the sector more deeply into global supply chains.
The kingdom maintains more than 33 million date palm trees which represent about 27 percent of the global total according to agricultural statistics cited by the Saudi Press Agency. While Egypt produces the largest volume of dates overall Saudi Arabia leads in export value and market penetration a Salaam Gateway industry overview found. Consistent quality controls and varietal development have supported this competitive edge.
Specific markets showed strong expansion with exports to China rising more than 110 percent in 2023 from the previous year the National Center for Palms and Dates reported. Increases were also recorded in France Singapore and South Korea underscoring the fruit’s broadening appeal. These targeted gains contributed to the overall rise in non-oil revenue from the date sector.
Officials at the center have highlighted continued investment in production techniques processing facilities and promotional activities to sustain momentum. Partnerships with private-sector operators have enabled participation in global exhibitions and trade missions the National Center for Palms and Dates noted. The sustained top ranking reinforces the sector’s role in the kingdom’s broader economic strategy.
