Egyptian Date Exports to Morocco: Semi-Dry Date Market Guide

Morocco is the number-one destination for Egyptian dates. Egypt is the world’s largest date producer, and Morocco leads its export map — a huge Ramadan-driven consumption and re-distribution market that draws heavily on Egyptian semi-dry and soft dates. This guide covers the best varieties, logistics, market requirements, the season calendar, and how to open a supply program. HS code 0804.10.

Quick Answer: Egyptian Dates to Morocco

  • Product: dates — semi-dry (Siwi), soft and premium (Medjool) (HS 0804.10).
  • Egypt’s position: the world’s largest date producer; Morocco is its #1 export market.
  • Morocco’s role: a huge Ramadan-driven consumption & re-distribution market.
  • Best varieties: Siwi (semi-dry, the workhorse), Medjool (premium), Barhi, Zaghloul.
  • Main route: containerised (ambient) from Alexandria / Damietta to Casablanca and Tanger Med.
  • Storage: dry dates ambient; soft/Medjool chilled (~0–4 °C) to preserve texture.
  • Compliance: phytosanitary certificate, ONSSA rules, Arabic/French labeling; Halal on request.
  • Incoterms: FOB / CIF / CFR — confirm per booking.

Why Morocco Leads Egyptian Date Exports

Morocco consumes dates in enormous volumes — above all around Ramadan, when dates break the daily fast — and domestic production doesn’t come close to covering demand. Egypt, the world’s largest producer, is the natural supplier: its semi-dry Siwi dates suit Moroccan taste and price points, and Casablanca serves both consumption and onward re-distribution. Morocco consistently ranks at the very top of Egypt’s date-export destinations.

For Moroccan importers, Egyptian dates offer scale, a range from value semi-dry to premium Medjool, and competitive pricing timed to the Ramadan build-up.

Best Varieties for Morocco

VarietyType / profileMorocco fit
SiwiSemi-dry, amber, sweet, great keeping★★★ The volume workhorse
MedjoolLarge, soft, premium★★★ Premium & gifting
ZaghloulSemi-dry to soft, red, crunchy-sweet★★ Seasonal
BarhiSoft, honey-like★★ Premium soft

For full product detail see the Egyptian Dates Export Report.

Logistics: Egypt to Morocco

  • Ports of loading: Alexandria, Damietta, Port Said.
  • Ports of discharge: Casablanca and Tanger Med, onward inland.
  • Storage/temperature: semi-dry/dry dates in ambient containers; soft & Medjool chilled ~0–4 °C.
  • Packing: 5/10 kg bulk cartons; retail 400 g–1 kg packs; Medjool in trays; palletised.
  • Transit: western-Mediterranean sailing; book ahead of the Ramadan window.

Moroccan Market Requirements

  • Phytosanitary certificate from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture meeting ONSSA import conditions.
  • Food-safety compliance: residue and contaminant limits; fumigation certificate as required.
  • Documentation: certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, weight/quality certificate.
  • Quality assurance: HACCP / ISO 22000 at the packing facility; Halal certificate on request.
  • Labeling: Arabic/French labeling with product, grade, net weight, crop year and producer.

Season & Shipping Window

PeriodActivityMorocco notes
Aug–OctDate harvest & gradingNew-crop packing; contract early
Pre-RamadanPeak shippingBook well ahead — huge Ramadan demand
Year-roundAmbient/chilled storage supplyContinuous availability from storage

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is Morocco for Egyptian dates?

Morocco is the number-one destination for Egyptian dates — a huge Ramadan-driven consumption and re-distribution market. Egypt is the world’s largest date producer.

Which Egyptian date varieties suit Morocco?

Semi-dry Siwi is the volume workhorse, with premium Medjool for gifting and higher tiers, plus seasonal Zaghloul and soft Barhi.

How are Egyptian dates shipped to Morocco?

Semi-dry/dry dates travel in ambient 20-ft containers from Alexandria or Damietta to Casablanca and Tanger Med; soft and Medjool dates are chilled at about 0–4 °C.

What documents are required to import Egyptian dates into Morocco?

A phytosanitary certificate meeting ONSSA conditions, residue/contaminant compliance, a fumigation certificate where required, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, Arabic/French labeling, and HACCP/ISO 22000 (Halal on request).

Request a Quote for the Moroccan Market

Building a Morocco date program? PEI Trade supplies semi-dry Siwi, premium Medjool and other Egyptian dates in bulk or retail packs, with appropriate ambient or chilled handling, ONSSA-aligned documentation, Arabic/French labeling (Halal on request) and container delivery to Casablanca and Tanger Med — timed to the Ramadan window. Tell us your varieties, grades, packing and delivery window for a competitive offer.


How to Cite This Page

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Date Exports to Morocco: Semi-Dry Date Market Guide.” peitrade.com, 2026, https://peitrade.com/egyptian-date-exports-to-morocco/

Sources: PEI Trade Egyptian Dates Export Report (Egypt world’s largest producer; top destinations Morocco, Indonesia, Turkey); WITS/UN Comtrade Egypt dates exports (HS 0804.10). HS code 0804.10.

PEI Trade · New Cairo, Egypt · sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com · Brand: nile-prime.com · Ports: Alexandria, Damietta, Sokhna, Port Said (Incoterms 2020)