Consumers have expressed satisfaction as the prices of dates have dropped ahead of Ramadan, thanks to a surge in imports that has double the supply compared to the market demand.
On Saturday, the lowest price for dates in Dhaka was Tk 250 per kg, while mid-range varieties were selling for Tk 600 to Tk 900 per kg. Premium-quality dates were priced at Tk 1,600 per kg, reports UNB.
Traders attributed the price drop -- ranging from Tk 100 to Tk 400 per kg compared to last year -- to a decrease in import duties.
They said demand for dates typically rises during Ramadan.
At the start of this year, the import duty on dates was lowered from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, while the customs valuation was reduced by 8 per cent to 25 per cent. As a result, imports have doubled this year, compared to the previous year.
According to customs data, around 53,768 tonnes of dates were imported between July 1 and February 22 of the current fiscal year (FY 2024-25).
During the same period last year (FY 2023-24), imports stood at 25,085 tonnes, while FY 2022-23 saw a significantly higher import volume of 81,684 tonnes.
Ehsan Ullah Zahedi, proprietor of Al-Madina Traders in Khatunganj, Chattogram, 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.
