Egypt has strengthened its foothold in the Turkish palm date market, setting a new export record in the current marketing year (July 2024 – June 2025). According to EastFruit, Egypt exported 5.9 thousand tons of dates to Turkey, valued at $27.2 million. This represents a 1.5-fold increase compared to the previous season and an extraordinary 288-fold jump from the 2020/21 season.
Over the past four years, Egypt's average annual export growth rate to Turkey has reached 312%. Turkey is now Egypt's third-largest date export destination, behind Morocco and Indonesia. Turkish shipments account for 4% of Egypt's total date exports. While exports occur year-round, volumes peak between December and March, aligning with seasonal demand.
Though Iran remains Turkey's largest date supplier, its market share is gradually declining. Egypt is now competing with other exporters like Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Palestine. Iraq's exports to Turkey have nearly halved this season, allowing Egypt to move ahead in the rankings. As of the first 11 months of the current season, Egypt ranks fourth among date suppliers to Turkey and is on track to finish in the top five.
Egypt's market share in Turkey's date imports has surged from just 0.03% in 2020/21 to 8% this season. Alongside dates, Egypt is also increasing its exports of sweet potatoes, garlic, potatoes, and frozen green beans to the Turkish market. Meanwhile, Egyptian date exports to Vietnam are also growing steadily, despite rising global competition.
Source: EastFruit
