(Ecofin Agency) - In Egypt, date sector realized a good trade balance at the beginning of 2018. Indeed, FreshPlaza reports that shipments increased by 127% to $20.5 million in value and by 80% to 21,600 tons in volume.

This upward trend was clear in February, with a record $12.3 million revenue in foreign currency earnings. The highest level ever reached within a month in the country.

Egypt mainly exports to Indonesia which captured 57% of the overall volume exported (12, 400 tons) and generated over 58% of total turnover ($12 million), during the period under review. The second trading partner is Morocco which purchased 6, 700 tons of dates for $6.3 million. Other destinations included Malaysia, Bangladesh, Thailand and South Africa, notably.

With about 1.5 million tons produced annually, Egypt provides 17.7% of global needs in dates.

Espoir Olodo