Date prices drop by Tk 100 to Tk 400 per kg amid huge import

Consumers have expressed satisfaction over the declining prices of dates, following an import volume that has doubled compared to market demand ahead of Ramadan.

 

On Saturday, the lowest price for dates in Dhaka was Tk 250 per kg, while mid-range varieties were selling for Tk 600 to Tk 900 per kg. Premium-quality dates were priced at Tk 1,600 per kg.

 

Traders attributed the price drop—ranging from Tk100 to Tk400 per kg compared to last year-to reduced import duties.

 

They said that demand for dates typically rises during Ramadan.

 

At the start of this year, the import duty on dates was lowered from 25% to 15%, while the customs valuation was reduced by 8.0% to 25%. As a result, imports have doubled this year compared to the previous year.

 

According to customs data, approximately 53,768 tonnes of dates were imported between July 1 and February 22 of the current fiscal year (FY 2024-25).

 

During the same period last year (FY 2023-24), imports stood at 25,085 tonnes, while FY 2022-23 saw a significantly higher import volume of 81,684 tonnes.

 

Ehsan Ullah Zahedi, proprietor of Al-Madina Traders in Chattogram's Khatunganj, told UNB over the phone that the date business thrives during Ramadan but sees little demand for the rest of the year.

 

Md Mohiuddin, General Secretary of the Chaktai-Khatunganj Aratdar General Traders Welfare Association, said the price of dates remains within buyers' affordability. "This year, imports have been substantial.

 

Besides, unsold stock from last year remains with many traders, contributing to the declining price trend," he added.

 

A wide variety of dates are imported from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and Dubai, including Zahidi, Sayedi, Faridi, Safai, Rashidi, Mashrukh, Mabrur, Nagal, Kudri, Ajwa, Medjool, Maryam, Dabbas and Sukkari.

 

At the Badamtoli fruit market, a five-kg pack of Nagal dates is being sold for Tk 1,400 to Tk 1,500, while Tunisian Tetco Faridi dates cost Tk 2,100 to Tk 2,200 per five-kg pack.

 

In addition:

 

5 kg of Mashrukh dates from Saudi Arabia: Tk 2,100 to Tk 2,200

5 kg of Mashrukh-B brand: Tk 2,500

5 kg of Mashrukh VIP: Tk 2,700

5 kg of Iranian Maryam dates: Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000

5 kg of Saudi Mabrur dates: Tk 4,500 to Tk 5,000

5 kg of Saudi Ajwa dates: Tk 4,000 to Tk 4,500

5 kg of Egyptian Medjool dates: Tk 3,800 to Tk 4,000

10 kg of Iraqi Zahidi dates: Tk 1,600 to Tk 1,700

Loose sack dates per kg: Tk 130 to Tk 135