Saudi Dates Import to India 2026: Wholesale Market Guide
International Dates Trade • India Import Guide • Updated 10 October 2026
Saudi Dates Market 2026: India Import & Wholesale Guide
Saudi Arabia is an important global producer and exporter of dates, with varieties ranging from premium Ajwa and Mabroom to Safawi, Sukkari, Khalas and Khudri. For Indian importers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers, the opportunity is to match the right Saudi variety and grade with a clearly defined buyer, verified product quality, a compliant import process and a commercially realistic landed cost.
Quick answer: Saudi Arabia reported date exports worth SAR 1.938 billion in 2025, a 14.3% increase over 2024. A May 2026 report citing Saudi Arabia's National Center for Palms and Dates said Saudi date exports to India rose 25% in 2025 year over year. Separately, World Bank WITS data for India's 2024 imports of fresh or dried dates recorded total imports of US$286.19 million, including US$12.00 million reported from Saudi Arabia. These figures describe different reporting periods and perspectives; they should not be combined as though they were one dataset.
Sources: Saudi National Center for Palms and Dates, Saudi Press Agency, Arab News, 31 May 2026 and World Bank WITS, India imports, 2024.
1. Saudi Dates Market 2026: The Key Facts
The Saudi dates industry combines a large domestic agricultural base, a wide range of locally grown varieties and a growing international export network. Saudi Arabia's National Center for Palms and Dates reported that the Kingdom's date exports reached SAR 1.938 billion in 2025. The Saudi Press Agency reported that this was 14.3% higher than in 2024 and 59.5% higher than in 2021. The same report cited production exceeding 1.9 million tonnes and more than 37 million palm trees.
For wholesale buyers, these national figures indicate the scale of the producing sector; they do not establish that every variety is always available, that every shipment meets the same grade or that a supplier will offer a particular price. Commercial buyers should assess the specific product lot, variety, pack format, origin documents, crop or packing date, storage history and supply commitment.
What the national export figures mean for importers
- More international market reach: Saudi authorities reported exports to more than 125 countries.
- A broad variety portfolio: Saudi production includes popular names such as Ajwa, Safawi, Sukkari, Mabroom, Khalas, Khudri, Saghai and Zahidi.
- Opportunity for segmented retail: A focused range can serve premium gifting, everyday household consumption, ethnic grocery, supermarket and food-service buyers.
- Quality control remains essential: National export growth alone does not verify an individual trader, packer, shipment or product claim.
Primary reference: National Center for Palms and Dates — Saudi Arabia's 2025 export achievement.
2. India–Saudi Dates Trade: What the Data Actually Shows
India has a large market for fresh or dried dates supplied from several countries. World Bank WITS, using reported UN Comtrade trade statistics, lists India's 2024 imports under HS 080410 at US$286.186 million and 526.596 million kilograms. In the Indian-importer view, the leading reported sources by value included the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
| Reported partner | Import value (US$ million) | Quantity (million kg) | Approx. share of total value |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 124.417 | 153.559 | 43.5% |
| Iraq | 83.490 | 236.008 | 29.2% |
| Iran | 45.332 | 105.120 | 15.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | 12.002 | 14.081 | 4.2% |
| Algeria | 5.599 | 6.871 | 2.0% |
| Tunisia | 5.538 | 6.153 | 1.9% |
| Oman | 4.894 | 3.590 | 1.7% |
| All reported origins | 286.186 | 526.596 | 100% |
Shares are calculated from the WITS table and rounded to one decimal place. The source reports trade value in thousands of US dollars and quantity in kilograms. Figures are historical trade statistics, not current wholesale prices, and reported data may be revised.
Saudi Arabia represented approximately 4.2% of the value and 2.7% of the quantity in this 2024 India-importer dataset. These are calculated shares, not official market-share claims. They help describe the recorded baseline but should not be treated as a measure of today's retail availability, brand awareness or the demand for an individual variety.
Why another dataset may show a different Saudi figure
The WITS exporter-reported view for 2024 lists Saudi Arabia's exports of fresh or dried dates to India at US$16.249 million and 14.053 million kilograms. The Indian-importer view lists US$12.002 million and 14.081 million kilograms. These values differ because bilateral trade datasets can vary by reporting country, valuation basis, timing, partner attribution, revisions and statistical treatment.
For accuracy, this guide keeps the two datasets separate rather than averaging them or presenting them as identical. The most useful practice for a live commercial decision is to review both the official Indian Department of Commerce data and the exporter-side data, then confirm the shipment-specific paperwork with the importer or customs broker.
- World Bank WITS: India imports by partner, 2024
- World Bank WITS: exporter-reported dates shipped to India, 2024
- Government of India, Department of Commerce: TradeStat
What changed in 2025?
In a report published on 31 May 2026, Arab News stated that Saudi date exports to India rose 25% in 2025 compared with 2024, citing Saudi Arabia's National Center for Palms and Dates. The report also described importer interest in Safawi, commonly called Kalami in parts of the Indian trade, and Sukkari.
This is an important recent signal, but it must be interpreted carefully: a growth rate does not reveal the total current inventory in India, the split by date variety, the wholesale price or whether a specific supplier has stock. Buyers should use it as market context and confirm current availability and grade directly.
Source: Arab News, “Saudi dates gain popularity in India as healthier sugar alternative,” 31 May 2026.
3. Why Saudi Dates Matter to Indian Wholesalers and Retailers
Saudi dates can play different roles in an Indian product portfolio. Ajwa and Mabroom may be positioned for premium gifting and specialist buyers; Safawi and Khudri can suit consumers seeking dark, chewy dates; and Sukkari can appeal to customers looking for a very sweet, soft or caramel-like eating experience. Actual performance depends on the offered grade, pack size, customer base, local competition and final shelf price.
The business opportunity is not to stock every variety immediately. It is to build a product mix that matches customer needs and turns over reliably. A retailer may need small consumer packs; a distributor may need master cartons and dependable replenishment; a food manufacturer may prioritize consistency, specifications and usable yield over gift presentation.
Potential buyer groups
- Dry-fruit wholesalers: Need competitive delivered cost, predictable grades, volume consistency and quick replenishment.
- Retail stores and supermarkets: Need attractive packs, clear labelling, steady quality, good shelf condition and a price point suited to their shoppers.
- Online sellers: Need reliable stock, protective packaging, low damage rates, accurate descriptions and clear handling instructions.
- Corporate gifting businesses: Need premium presentation, dependable grading, packaging options and delivery schedules.
- Hotels, restaurants and caterers: Need dependable supply and a variety or grade that suits their recipes, service style and budget.
- Food manufacturers: Need clear product specifications, batch consistency and confirmation that the material meets the intended processing requirements.
For businesses sourcing in western India, begin with the practical sourcing framework in the APMC Dates Market Guide and the Mumbai Khajoor Wholesale Market Guide.
4. Saudi Date Varieties: Taste, Texture and Wholesale Positioning
“Saudi dates” is not a single product specification. Variety, growing area, ripeness at harvest, sorting, moisture, handling and packaging can create meaningful differences between lots sold under the same broad variety name. Buyers should request a sample and written specification before committing to a large purchase.
| Variety | Common market description | Possible buyer fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa | Dark, generally soft to moderately firm, distinct flavour; strongly associated with Madinah. | Premium retail, gifting and specialty demand. | Authentic origin claim, uniformity, size, skin condition, pack integrity and price premium. |
| Safawi / Safavi | Dark, elongated, chewy; often traded as Kalami in some Indian markets. | Everyday premium retail and wholesale distribution. | Confirm the supplier's exact variety identity, grade, moisture and consistency of appearance. |
| Sukkari / Sukary | Known for pronounced sweetness; texture varies by grade and product condition. | Snack retail, gifting and buyers seeking sweet dates. | Texture, moisture, sugar crystallisation where relevant, pack condition and storage instructions. |
| Mabroom | Long, slender dates, often with a firmer and chewy bite. | Premium retail and gifting. | Size uniformity, appearance, softness or firmness relative to the specification, and breakage. |
| Khalas | Balanced sweetness and a soft-to-firm eating experience depending on grade and handling. | Household consumption, retail and selected food-service uses. | Freshness, texture, lot consistency, grade and final delivered cost. |
| Khudri | Often dark reddish-brown, with a chewy texture. | Commercial retail and everyday consumption. | Skin separation, defects, moisture consistency, size and packaging quality. |
| Saghai / Sagai | Often visually distinctive, sometimes with contrasting colour at the tip. | Specialty retail and differentiated assortments. | Actual lot appearance, grade definition and consumer acceptance. |
| Zahidi | Generally firmer and more semi-dry than many soft varieties. | Value-led retail and certain food applications. | Firmness, dryness, skin condition, intended use and moisture specification. |
Variety descriptions are broad trade guidance, not a grade standard or a guarantee about every lot. For variety background, see Visit Saudi's overview of Ajwa, Anbara and other Saudi varieties.
How to choose a variety for resale
Choose based on the buyer's purpose, not only the variety's reputation. Ask prospective customers which pack size, texture, price band and repeat-order frequency they actually need. Sample at least two lots when practical, compare usable yield and defects, and check how the product holds up in your intended storage and distribution conditions.
For related variety-level reading, explore the Sukkari Dates guide and the Mazafati Dates guide. Mazafati is an Iranian variety, not a Saudi variety; it is included here only as a useful comparison for Indian buyers evaluating different date styles and sources.
5. Match the Variety to the Customer, Not Just the Country of Origin
The right Saudi dates wholesale assortment depends on the type of business buying the product. The following matrix is a starting point for sample testing, not a ranking of varieties or a sales guarantee.
| Buyer or channel | Possible starting point | Commercial priority |
|---|---|---|
| Premium dry-fruit store | Ajwa, Mabroom, selected Sukkari | Authenticity, appearance, consistent grade and premium packaging. |
| General grocery retailer | Safawi, Khudri, Khalas or another proven local seller | Repeat sales, reliable replenishment, shelf life and accessible price. |
| Online seller | Products with proven packaging and manageable handling requirements | Damage rate, accurate product photos, clear descriptions and repeatable stock. |
| Gift-box supplier | Selected Ajwa, Mabroom or premium assortment packs | Uniformity, presentation, traceability and delivery timing. |
| Food manufacturer | Variety and grade chosen for the specific recipe or process | Written specifications, repeatability, usable yield and approved food-safety documentation. |
| Regional distributor | A focused mix based on verified demand from retailers | Carton economics, working capital, storage, logistics and order frequency. |
A practical pilot is often safer than a broad initial assortment. Test demand with samples, small permissible commercial quantities or supplier-approved trial lots before tying up capital in a large inventory. Keep notes on the product, supplier, batch, customer feedback, actual sale price, returns and time to sell through.
6. Saudi Dates Wholesale Prices in India: How to Calculate the Real Cost
There is no single reliable “Saudi dates wholesale price” that applies to every variety, grade, pack, order size and Indian delivery point. Quotes change with crop and availability, size and grade, packaging, freight, insurance, currency movements, customs treatment, inspection or clearance costs, storage needs, finance costs and the terms agreed between buyer and seller.
For accuracy, this guide does not publish an invented live market rate. A current quote should identify the variety, declared origin, grade, pack size, quantity, quote date, currency, delivery location, taxes or duties included, payment terms and quote validity. Compare like-for-like quotations rather than comparing two prices with different terms.
Landed-cost formula for an Indian importer
Landed cost per saleable kilogram = (product purchase value + freight + insurance + applicable customs duties and taxes + clearance and port charges + inland transport + handling + expected loss and storage costs) ÷ saleable kilograms received.
Before calculating, agree whether the quote is EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF or another Incoterm. The party responsible for freight, insurance, export clearance and other obligations depends on the contract. Do not add or omit charges based on assumptions: check the actual terms, shipping documents and the importer's customs assessment.
Example worksheet — use your actual quotations
| Cost component | Value to enter | Evidence to use |
|---|---|---|
| Product invoice | Your contracted amount | Pro forma / commercial invoice and contract. |
| International freight and insurance | Forwarder's actual quote | Freight quote and policy, if applicable. |
| Customs duty and applicable tax | Verified assessment estimate | Current tariff classification and customs advice. |
| Port, clearance and handling | Actual service estimates | Forwarder, terminal and customs-broker charges. |
| Local transport and storage | Delivery and storage quote | Transporter and warehouse rates. |
| Quality loss or rejected quantity | Evidence-based allowance | Past inspection, damage and shrinkage records. |
| Saleable kilograms | Actual received quantity after documented loss | Weighment, inspection and goods-receipt record. |
Illustrative calculation: If the total verified cost for a shipment were ₹5,00,000 and the quantity available for sale after documented losses were 5,000 kg, the cost base would be ₹100 per saleable kg before any additional business overhead or target profit not included in those costs. This is an arithmetic example only, not a Saudi dates quotation or a representation of current Indian import duty.
To move from cost to a selling price, add the costs that are not already included, such as warehousing, distribution, financing, sales commission, local delivery, marketplace fees and a commercially realistic margin. Account for the applicable tax treatment correctly with your accountant. Do not treat margin on selling price as the same thing as markup on cost.
For Mumbai pricing and buying context, use the APMC Dates Price Today guide, and the Wholesale Dates in Vashi APMC buying guide. Always confirm that any market quotation shown on a page is current before acting on it.
7. How to Import Saudi Dates into India: Practical Checklist
Commercial food imports into India are governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, applicable Food Safety and Standards regulations, customs requirements and other rules that may apply to the product, country of origin and shipment. FSSAI describes a food-import clearance system integrated with Customs ICEGATE under the Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT); shipments may be subject to document scrutiny, visual inspection, sampling and testing according to the applicable process and risk profile.
Use the following as a planning checklist, not as a substitute for a shipment-specific compliance review.
Step 1: Define the product and confirm the tariff classification
Record the exact product description, variety, whether fresh or dried, packing form, intended use, country of origin and any processing or additives. HS 080410 is the international six-digit heading commonly used for dates, fresh or dried, in the referenced trade dataset. Indian tariff lines and the applicable duty treatment must be checked for the actual product and date of import. Do not assume that one search result, an old customs invoice or a generic HSN website settles the final duty or tax.
Step 2: Confirm that your business can import food
- Confirm the applicable Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and other trade requirements with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade or your customs professional.
- Ensure that the importer has the appropriate, valid FSSAI licence or registration for its activity and product category, as required.
- Check that the importing entity, consignee details, product description and documentation are consistent across the shipment records.
- Confirm any applicable plant-health, phytosanitary, food-safety, labelling or country-specific requirements with the relevant authorities before shipment.
Step 3: Vet the exporter and obtain a written product specification
Obtain the supplier's legal details and address, a pro forma invoice, product specification, packaging details, proposed shipment terms, batch or lot information and the documents available for origin and food-safety verification. Request recent photographs and a representative sample where commercially practical. Verify bank-account changes independently before transferring funds.
Step 4: Confirm the document set before the cargo moves
Depending on the transaction and applicable rules, relevant documents may include a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin where applicable, insurance documents, product or health certificates if required, and the declarations needed for customs and food-import clearance. The precise list can vary; get confirmation from your customs broker and the competent authorities before dispatch rather than assuming every shipment has identical requirements.
Step 5: Check duty, tax, valuation and other landed charges
Confirm the current tariff line, customs valuation approach, origin treatment, applicable duty and tax, any trade-policy restrictions and the costs of port handling and clearance. Use official customs information and written advice from a qualified customs broker. Rates can change, and the final assessment may depend on classification and shipment facts.
Step 6: Prepare for FSSAI and customs clearance
Check the current process through FSSAI's Food Imports guidance and the Food Import Clearance System. Have the supporting documents ready and allow realistic time for inspection, sampling or testing if required. Do not make a delivery promise to a customer based only on the estimated vessel arrival date.
Step 7: Inspect the goods before releasing the lot for sale
Record the condition of cartons and packs on arrival, check quantities and lot references, inspect representative samples, and document any damage, abnormal odour, visible contamination, pest evidence, leakage or mismatch with the written specification. Escalate concerns promptly and retain a traceable record of the shipment and supplier communication.
8. Quality, Origin Verification, Storage and Packaging
Good procurement goes beyond choosing a popular variety. A date lot can differ in size, moisture, maturity, skin condition, softness, grade and packaging integrity. Build acceptance criteria before purchase so buyer and supplier share the same definition of an acceptable shipment.
Sample inspection checklist
- Identity: The variety and origin match the invoice, specification and label claims. A variety name alone does not prove the country of origin.
- Appearance: Inspect for a reasonably uniform grade, expected colour, excessive skin damage, abnormal shrivelling and other defects defined in the contract.
- Smell and condition: Check for abnormal odours, visible mould, evidence of infestation or leakage. Do not taste a product suspected of contamination.
- Texture and moisture: Check that the lot is consistent with the agreed product description. Different date types require different handling.
- Packaging: Confirm that the packs are sealed as agreed, cartons are undamaged and the labels and lot details match the documents.
- Traceability: Retain supplier, lot, receipt date, quantity and inspection information so an issue can be traced to the correct batch.
- Documents: Check that certificates and other documents, where applicable, match the product and shipment rather than relying on a generic image or certificate sample.
How to verify a Saudi-origin claim
Ask for documents that support origin and lot identity and cross-check names, quantities, dates and product descriptions across the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin where applicable, and transport documents. Where authenticity has a premium value—such as a claim associated with a particular growing region—include the verification requirement in the purchase contract and ask what independent evidence supports the claim.
Product appearance can help with initial inspection but is not conclusive proof of origin. The hero graphic in this article is a guide image, not a product certification or independent verification of any specific stock.
Storage and handling
Storage requirements depend on the variety, moisture level, packaging, time in transit and supplier's product specification. Do not treat all dates as shelf-stable in the same way. High-moisture soft dates may require tighter temperature control than drier products; use the documented conditions for the specific lot and avoid abrupt or inappropriate handling that may cause condensation.
- Store cartons in a clean, dry and appropriately controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, strong odours and chemical products.
- Keep stock off the floor and protect it from moisture, pests, crushing and avoidable temperature fluctuations.
- Follow the supplier's stated temperature and storage requirements for the particular variety and moisture level.
- Use lot tracking and stock rotation, such as first-expiry-first-out where expiry dates apply.
- Keep the receiving date, batch identifier, inspection result and dispatch history linked to each stock lot.
Packaging matters in wholesale
Bulk cartons, inner packs, consumer pouches and gift boxes serve different channels. Agree on net weight, pack configuration, carton strength, seals, label requirements and handling marks before the shipment is packed. For retail or private-label sale, confirm the applicable Indian labelling and packaging rules for the product and business model with a qualified compliance professional.
9. Wholesale Distribution: Build a Range That Can Reorder
For wholesalers and distributors, the strongest product plan balances variety appeal with predictable turnover. The first order should answer business questions: which customers want each grade, what quantity they buy, which pack sizes they accept, how much credit they require and how quickly the inventory is likely to move.
A practical launch sequence
- Interview buyers first. Speak with retailers, supermarkets, dry-fruit shops, online sellers, food-service buyers and gifting companies. Ask about specifications and price bands, not just their favourite variety.
- Select a limited starting assortment. Choose varieties whose quality, storage and delivered economics you can manage. Expand when reorder behaviour validates the demand.
- Request samples and compare suppliers. Record appearance, taste, size, moisture, defects, packaging and delivery terms.
- Calculate cash requirements. Include inventory, transport, storage, packaging, sales costs, taxes, credit days and a contingency allowance. A profitable theoretical margin cannot compensate for inadequate working capital.
- Set written acceptance terms. Define grade, quantity tolerance, packaging, defects, delivery window, documents and how discrepancies will be resolved.
- Track reorder data. Monitor units sold, repeat orders, returns, stock age, shrinkage, customer complaints and contribution after variable costs.
Do not promise a margin without evidence
Supplier prices and retail selling prices do not by themselves reveal the final profit. Include inward and outward freight, storage, damage, discounts, payment delays, returns, promotional costs, financing and business overhead. Use actual records from trial orders to revise the business model before scaling.
For a wider overview of sourcing and supplier evaluation, see the Wholesale Dates Supplier India guide, the Wholesale Dates Suppliers in India guide and the Dates Wholesale Business in Mumbai guide.
10. Seasonal Demand and Ramadan Procurement Planning
Dates are eaten throughout the year, but demand can rise around Ramadan, Eid, gifting periods and other local retail seasons. The timing and strength of the uplift differ by customer group, city, sales channel and variety. Avoid assuming that every date type will sell at the same rate or that the entire market moves only during Ramadan.
For a seasonal buying plan, work backwards from your customers' delivery dates rather than simply from the festival calendar.
- Several months ahead: Collect buyer requirements, confirm variety and grade preferences, review historical sell-through, negotiate supply conditions and check import lead times.
- Before the order is committed: Approve samples, verify documents, calculate landed cost and confirm the realistic time needed for shipping and clearance.
- Before dispatch: Agree on product condition, packaging, batch details, inspection criteria and contingency procedures for delays.
- On arrival: Inspect the consignment, record any discrepancy and allocate stock by sales channel and delivery promise.
- After the season: Measure actual sell-through, returns, remaining stock and contribution margin. Use the result to set next season's order quantity.
Religious-calendar dates can depend on moon sighting and local announcements. Use the official local calendar for precise planning, and build a buffer for freight, clearance and distribution rather than relying on one estimated start date.
11. Saudi Dates Market Outlook: Opportunities and Risks
Saudi Arabia's export figures and the reported rise in exports to India create a reason for importers to investigate the category. The commercial question is whether a specific grade and variety can meet a real buyer need at a viable delivered cost. The following opportunities are worth testing—not treating as guaranteed market outcomes.
Potential opportunities
- Variety-led merchandising: Explain flavour, texture, intended use and origin clearly instead of listing every SKU with generic “premium” language.
- Consumer-sized packaging: Test pack sizes suitable for a retailer's customer base and the product's handling needs.
- Premium gifting: Explore presentation-led products where the buyer values consistent appearance, traceability and dependable delivery.
- Year-round use: Build demand from everyday snacking, retail and food-service applications while treating festive periods as a planning factor, not the only sales window.
- Wholesale distribution: Use supplier and customer records to identify varieties that reorder consistently, rather than letting trends alone dictate inventory.
Risks to manage
- Price volatility: Exchange rates, freight, harvests, availability and customs treatment can alter delivered cost.
- Misdescribed origin or variety: A marketing name does not replace documentary checks and clear contractual specifications.
- Quality and storage failures: Heat, moisture, damaged packaging and poor stock rotation can reduce saleable quantity and customer confidence.
- Regulatory changes: Import classifications, clearance procedures, labelling rules or tax treatment should be rechecked before shipment.
- Working-capital pressure: Large inventory and slow customer payments can strain cash flow even where a gross margin appears attractive.
- Seasonality misjudgment: Overbuying for a projected demand spike can leave ageing stock or force discounting afterward.
What to monitor quarterly
Review current government trade statistics, export announcements from Saudi authorities, supplier quotations, shipping and storage conditions, actual buyer requests and your own sell-through data. The Government of India's TradeStat system states that its monthly trade data is updated periodically and notes that the Indian ITC-HS code or unit for a commodity may be dropped, changed or reallocated. Check the current classification before comparing data across periods.
Source: Department of Commerce TradeStat — commodity-wise imports.
13. Frequently Asked Questions About Saudi Dates
1. How much were Saudi Arabia's date exports worth in 2025?
Saudi Arabia's National Center for Palms and Dates reported export value of SAR 1.938 billion for 2025. The Saudi Press Agency reported growth of 14.3% compared with 2024 and 59.5% compared with 2021.
2. Did Saudi dates exports to India increase in 2025?
Yes. A report published by Arab News on 31 May 2026, citing Saudi Arabia's National Center for Palms and Dates, said Saudi date exports to India increased 25% in 2025 year over year. This is a reported growth rate, not a live inventory or price figure.
3. Which Saudi date varieties should Indian wholesalers investigate?
Commonly discussed varieties include Ajwa, Safawi, Sukkari, Mabroom, Khalas, Khudri, Saghai and Zahidi. The best choice depends on buyer preference, grade, product condition, storage requirements, target price and repeat-order demand. Request samples and a written specification before bulk purchasing.
4. Are Safawi and Kalami dates the same?
Safawi is sometimes referred to as Kalami in the Indian market. Because market naming can vary between suppliers, buyers should confirm the exact variety, declared origin and grade in the purchase specification instead of relying on the name alone.
5. What is the HS code for dates?
HS 080410 is the six-digit international classification commonly used for fresh or dried dates and is the code used in the cited WITS trade dataset. Confirm the applicable Indian tariff line and treatment for your specific product and import date with official customs information and a qualified customs broker.
6. What are India's reported dates imports from Saudi Arabia?
In the World Bank WITS Indian-importer dataset for 2024, India reported US$12.002 million and 14.081 million kilograms of fresh or dried dates from Saudi Arabia under HS 080410. The exporter-reported WITS dataset shows a different value. Trade views should be kept separate because reporting and valuation differences may occur.
7. Is Saudi Arabia the largest source of dates imported into India?
Not in the cited 2024 Indian-importer dataset. The largest reported sources by value were the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Iran, followed by Saudi Arabia. Import shares change over time, so consult current official data before making a market-size or sourcing decision.
8. What is the current Saudi dates wholesale price in India?
There is no single price that applies to every Saudi variety and grade. Price depends on specification, pack, quantity, supplier, freight, currency, duties and taxes, storage and delivery location. Obtain dated, written quotations on comparable terms and calculate your own verified landed cost.
9. What should I check before importing Saudi dates?
Define the exact product and classification, confirm the importer’s applicable trade and FSSAI requirements, verify the supplier and documents, calculate duty and landed cost, check applicable plant-health and labelling requirements, and plan for inspection and clearance. Confirm the current requirements for the shipment with the relevant authorities and your customs broker.
10. Does every imported date shipment undergo the same inspection?
Not necessarily. FSSAI describes a clearance process that may include document scrutiny, visual inspection, sampling and testing according to applicable rules and risk profiling. Importers should be prepared for the procedure that applies to their consignment and allow for clearance time.
11. How can a buyer verify authentic Saudi origin?
Check the applicable origin documentation and cross-match the product description, exporter, quantities, dates and lot information across the commercial and transport records. For premium regional claims, ask for supporting evidence and put the verification expectations in writing. Appearance alone is not proof of origin.
12. Are Saudi dates only a Ramadan product in India?
No. Dates are consumed throughout the year, although demand may change around Ramadan, Eid, gifting periods and local sales seasons. Plan stock according to your customers' actual order history and confirmed demand rather than relying on a seasonal assumption alone.
13. How should a new wholesaler begin selling Saudi dates?
Start by identifying the customer segment, testing a focused assortment, checking samples, comparing written supplier quotations and calculating landed cost. Track actual sell-through, defects, returns, payment timing and repeat orders before expanding the inventory.
14. Where can I find more wholesale dates sourcing information for India?
Start with the APMC Dates Market Guide, the Mumbai Khajoor Wholesale Market Guide and the Wholesale Dates Supplier India guide on Dates.Business.
14. Sources, Data Methodology and Editorial Note
This guide separates official Saudi sector statistics, India-reported import data, exporter-reported mirror data, news reporting and practical procurement guidance. The 2025 Saudi global export value is not presented as India's import value. The WITS 2024 figures are used as a historical bilateral-trade baseline and not described as a live 2026 market quote.
Primary and supporting references
- Saudi National Center for Palms and Dates — 2025 export value, export destinations and production context.
- Saudi Press Agency, 25 April 2026 — export growth compared with 2024 and 2021, production and palm-tree figures.
- Arab News, 31 May 2026 — reported growth in Saudi date exports to India during 2025 and market observations from Indian traders.
- World Bank WITS: India imports of fresh or dried dates by country, 2024 — Indian-importer data used in the table.
- World Bank WITS: fresh or dried dates exported to India, 2024 — exporter-reported mirror-data comparison.
- Government of India, Department of Commerce TradeStat — official Indian commodity-trade data portal.
- FSSAI Food Imports and Food Import Clearance System — official food-import compliance starting points.
- Visit Saudi: The history of dates in Saudi Arabia — variety background.
Disclaimer: This article provides general market information, not customs, legal, tax, investment or food-safety advice. Trade data may be revised; product availability and commercial terms change; and the right compliance process depends on the specific product and shipment. Confirm decisions with the relevant official authority and qualified professional.
Article update: 10 October 2026. Update this date whenever the article is materially revised. The publication date in structured data must reflect the actual first-publication date.
Planning to Source Dates for Your Business?
Before choosing a supplier, compare the variety, origin, grade, pack size, sample quality, delivery terms and total landed cost. Use the related Dates.Business wholesale guides to prepare your buying specification and supplier questions.
Explore the Wholesale Dates Supplier India guide or visit Dates.Business.
