Iraq date exports dip slightly in 2024 as production lags behind forecasts

BAGHDAD — Iraq exported more than 700,000 tons of dates in 2024, a slight decline from last year’s 725,000 tons, Agriculture Minister Abbas Jabir Al-Maliki said.

The Ministry of Agriculture released a statement noting the export figure and added, “The minister confirmed to a delegation of German agricultural companies that Iraq exported over 700,000 tons of dates in 2024 to various countries around the world.”

Official ministry data shows that date exports have varied in recent years. In 2022, Iraq shipped 650,000 tons, followed by a rise to 725,000 tons in 2023 before dipping slightly in 2024. The export process was managed by companies specializing in food processing and nutrition industries, aligning with the nation’s economic priorities.

This drop in exports comes despite earlier optimism from agricultural officials, who on Sept. 21, 2024, projected increased date yields for the season—a forecast that ultimately proved overly hopeful. Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Khuzai told state television Al-Iraqiya that while production was expected to surpass last year’s totals, it fell short, even when compared with the previous season. 964media reached out to Al-Khuzai for comment on the decline but has not received a response.

Meanwhile, Iraqi officials continue efforts to revive the nation’s historic date palm population. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that the number of date palms has risen to over 22 million—an increase of 5 million over the past three years—bringing the country closer to its mid-1970s peak of 30 million palms. “With ongoing projects and government support, reaching the 30 million palm milestone again is within sight,” Al-Khuzai told 964media on July 5, 2024.