Date Export Season to Morocco Confirmed
The Commercial Director of the Interprofessional Group of Dates, Kaïs Ben Arafa, confirmed that the Group held a meeting last Monday with professional exporters, during which it was agreed, after the adoption of regulatory measures, to launch the export season of dates from the Kébili governorate to the Moroccan market.
Ben Arafa denied, in a statement to Radio Gafsa, the information that had circulated in recent days on social networks regarding Tunisia's decision to suspend the export of its dates to the Kingdom of Morocco during the new season (2025-2026). He specified that the statement published by the Group was not intended to exclude Morocco from exports, emphasizing that the Moroccan market had occupied the first place last season in terms of quantities exported, with approximately 23,000 tonnes, followed by European markets and distant and promising markets, such as Southeast Asian countries.
Regarding the indicators of the current season, the Commercial Director of the Interprofessional Group of Dates stated that they were good, with a global production growth rate of around 16%. He indicated that the Group was holding working meetings with all stakeholders and parties concerned, including professional exporters, to ensure the success of the current season.
As for the reference prices for production, he mentioned that they were around 5,200 millimes per kilogram of Deglet Nour for good calibers, and around 4,500 millimes for medium calibers.
It is worth noting that, during his meeting yesterday with the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Imed Ben Cheikh, the Head of State emphasized: "at a time when Tunisia is working to find new markets for date exports, an irresponsible statement is published, requiring the author to be called to account, and containing the exclusion of one of the brotherly countries, because our brothers will always remain our brothers."
Key Points:
- The Interprofessional Group of Dates has confirmed the launch of the export season of dates from Kébili to Morocco.
- Tunisia has not suspended date exports to Morocco for the 2025-2026 season.
- The Moroccan market was the largest export market for Tunisian dates last season, with 23,000 tonnes exported.
- The current season is expected to see a 16% growth in production.
- Reference prices for Deglet Nour dates are around 5,200 millimes per kilogram for good calibers and 4,500 millimes for medium calibers.
