Date prices drop by Tk100 to Tk400 per kg amid huge import
Today (1 Match), the lowest price for dates in Dhaka was Tk250 per kg, while mid-range varieties were selling for Tk600 to Tk900 per kg. Premium-quality dates were priced at Tk1,600 per kg
Consumers have expressed satisfaction over the declining prices of dates, following an import volume that has doubled compared to market demand ahead of Ramadan.
Today (1 Match), the lowest price for dates in Dhaka was Tk250 per kg, while mid-range varieties were selling for Tk600 to Tk900 per kg. Premium-quality dates were priced at Tk1,600 per kg.
Traders attributed the price drop — ranging from Tk100 to Tk400 per kg compared to last year—to reduced import duties.
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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% 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 (FY25).
During the same period last year (FY24), imports stood at 25,085 tonnes, while FY23 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 Tk1,400 to Tk1,500, while Tunisian Tetco Faridi dates cost Tk2,100 to Tk2,200 per five-kg pack.
Additionally, a 5kg pack of Mashrukh dates from Saudi Arabia costs between Tk2,100 and Tk2,200, while the Mashrukh-B brand is priced at Tk2,500, and Mashrukh VIP at Tk2,700.
Iranian Maryam dates (5kg) range from Tk4,000 to Tk5,000, whereas Saudi Mabrur dates (5kg) are priced between Tk4,500 and Tk5,000.
Similarly, Saudi Ajwa dates (5kg) cost between Tk4,000 and Tk4,500, and Egyptian Medjool dates (5kg) range from Tk3,800 to Tk4,000, 10 kg of Iraqi Zahidi dates is available for Tk1,600 to Tk1,700, while loose sack dates are priced at Tk130 to Tk135 per kg.
