The UAE holds 1 / 3 of world trade of dates

UAE hold the third of world trade of dates and occupies the first place for exports according to a study on Pakistan's domestic and international trade dates. 

 
The study conducted by the Ministry of Trade estimated that there are about 40 different types of dates in the UAE today. According to FAO, world production in 2008 was 7.1 million tons. This production is made by many countries and the top 20 only account for  half of world production. 

 
The 3 main world producers are Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia. The UAE are in 4th place with a total production of 755,000 tons which represent 11% of world production but hold 33% of world exports of dates. The second exporter is Iraq with 22% of world exports. 

 
In 2009,  exports of dates in the world has decreased by 18% over the previous year and reached 807,000 tons. Exports of dates from Emirates to Europe are rather low, and could rapidly increase to the main European importers (France, United Kingdom, Germany), which are currently receiving products from Tunisia, Iran and Pakistan. 

Source: Pakistan Observer, kaleejdtimes, Emirates News Agency