Amman, Feb. 23 (Petra) – Jordan’s date industry has grown remarkably, with production rising to meet domestic demand while national brands expand into international markets, as Medjool dates now account for roughly 14 percent of global output, yielding 200,000 to 250,000 tons annually due to their premium quality.

Jordan’s date sector has undergone a significant transformation, driven by targeted development initiatives that have boosted both production and exports. The Kingdom has positioned itself as a global provider of high-quality dates, with Jordanian varieties increasingly recognized for their quality on international markets.

Experts told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that around 40 percent of domestic date consumption occurs during the holy month of Ramadan. They confirmed that current market supplies are sufficient to meet expected demand, with prices accessible for all segments of society.

Dates, often referred to as "red gold," hold cultural and nutritional significance during Ramadan, traditionally breaking the fast due to their natural sugars, digestibility, and energy-restoring properties. Beyond their dietary role, they embody the spiritual traditions of the holy month.

Khalil Amr, Assistant Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture for Marketing, highlighted that date availability fluctuates based on seasonal production and imports. Local harvests peak in mid-September, but the market may rely on imports during other periods. For the current season, an estimated 20,000 tons are available across the Kingdom.

Amr noted that Ramadan drives heightened demand, with local Medjool dates priced between 1.5 and 3 Jordanian dinars per kilogram, depending on quality. Imported varieties range from 1 to 3 dinars per kilogram. To prevent price manipulation or monopolistic practices, the Ministry of Industry and Trade monitors markets closely, imposing ceilings or conducting awareness campaigns when necessary. Imports remain unrestricted by quantity or time, ensuring stable supply.

Jordan exports dates to a growing number of international markets, with 15,990 tons shipped in 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture applies strict quality standards to imported dates, ensuring safety and consistency before release into local markets.

Approximately 46,000 dunams of Jordanian agricultural land are dedicated to date palms, 85 percent of which produce Medjool varieties. Annual production meets about 70 percent of domestic needs, totaling 35,000 tons, with nearly 65 percent exported to 55 countries. The sector provides roughly 10,000 jobs, 40 percent of which are held by women, concentrated in regions including South Shuna, Deir Alla, North Shuna, Aqaba-Wadi Araba, Ghor al-Safi, and Azraq. Medjool dates thrive in high-temperature areas, while Barhi dates are primarily cultivated in Azraq.

Anwar Haddad, head of the Jordan Dates Association, reported that the Kingdom produces around 36,000 tons of various date varieties, while domestic consumption reaches approximately 40,000 tons. Imports from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, North Africa, and Tunisia fill the shortfall. Over half of local production is exported, while domestic consumption peaks during Ramadan. Haddad affirmed that sufficient quantities are available to meet community needs, with stable and affordable pricing.

The association supports date palm farmers through market analysis, cultivation guidance, advocacy on taxes and customs, and facilitating participation in local and international exhibitions. These efforts aim to sustain cultivation, strengthen exports, and ensure the continued growth of Jordan’s date sector.

//Petra// AJ

23/02/2026 16:26:55