Iran looking to consolidate position in global date market

Iran has established itself as a major player in the burgeoning international date trade. In 2022, the country exported 340,000 tons (worth US$296 million) of its total production of 1.4 million tons. But Iran must keep an eye over its shoulder as regional rivals Egypt and Saudi Arabia are planting new palm trees to expand output. Iran exports dates to 85 countries, with India the leading market in 2020/21 (16%), followed by Malaysia (11%) and Russia (9.9%).