Key Highlights: 

• A detailed analysis of the top countries that supply dates to India.

• India imported $298,269,824.85 worth of dates in 2024-25.

• India’s fresh dates imports accounted for $1,534,329.78 in 2024-25.

• The top 3 date exporters globally during 2024-25 were Indonesia, Uzbekistan and Mexico, accounting for 68.94%, 11.07% and 3.51%.

Have you ever gone to an Iftar party to see long tables decorated with different kinds of dates? From Mazafati and Khajoor to Piarom and Sayer, the list is endless, making them a cultural & delicious favourite across the table. But is India really dating with its imports? Read on to discover where India gets its date imports, and why they really matter.

The Date Import Landscape In India

Before we delve deep into the top countries that fuel India’s date imports, let’s first gauge the Indian date import market. In other words, does India have a “margin-worthy” date import market for its businesses? The answer is a big YES!

In fact, India is a global date powerhouse, with several varieties of dates being shipped into the country. Not to mention, as per import-export data, the global dates industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.91% by 2032.

In addition, earlier, dates were being traded only as whole dried fruits in packaged boxes. But today, dates are being traded in several forms, including syrups, jams, sliced dates, oils, and other baking products.

Why? Well, with more and more people looking for alternatives for refined sugar, dates have slowly made their way to the top, thanks to their health benefits.

 

Top 10 Countries Fueling India’s Date Imports In 2024-25

 

India’s love for dates is real, and it’s being fostered by several countries from around the globe, from east to west and North Africa to the Middle East. Here are the 10 hottest destinations that  Indian date importers should tap into.

Topping the list of dates export countries to India is the United Arab Emirates, with exports accounting for $236,212,358.54 in 2024.

Surprisingly, while the Emirati nation accounts for almost 80% of dates exported to India, it’s more than just a mere date supplier; it’s a strategic date partner. And the location of the country makes it almost effortless to import and export dates. Home to strategic ports in Dubai, Sharjah, and other key cities, UAE dates are indeed a favourite among Indian households, thanks to their taste, flavour, and quality.

Coming in second place is Iran with a market share of 10.41% in 2024-25. This export country to India is famous for supplying the nation with its Kalmi, Zahidi, and Mazafati date varieties. But what makes Iranian dates different from Emirati dates? Well, Iranian dates are a bit darker, softer, and more moist in texture. Plus, they’re extremely cheap to source and fast to sell.

Following right behind in the footsteps of Iran is Saudi Arabia. Supplying over $12.8 million worth of dates to India, this date-exporting country doesn’t just supply tasty dates but also holds a pivotal religious significance, especially during the holy months of Ramazan.

While these 3 are the major contributors to India’s date imports, there are a few more quiet contenders making their way up the date import ladder. A few of them include Oman, Algeria, Israel, Jordan, and Tunisia.

What’s Next In The Indian Date Import Market?

India’s date story is far from being done. In fact, it’s just crossing the honeymoon stage. With imports rising each year, there is immense growth potential, particularly for Indian date importers to find new ways in date imports & exports. Want to know the next big opportunity for your date import game? Book a demo with Ex-Im today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are dates imported by India?
Absolutely! In fact, according to import-export data, India is one of the largest dates importing countries.

2. Where are dates imported from?
Indian date importers import dates from different parts of the world, including the Gulf and African countries like Tunisia and Algeria.

3. Where is the Khajoor date from?
Khajur, or Khajoor, is originally from Jordan but is now also found in North Africa and the Middle East.

4. Why are dates expensive?
Indian date importers often pay a heavy price in the pocket for the finest quality of dates, thanks to their long & laborious harvesting process.

---