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Egyptian Date Exports to Turkey: Semi-Dry Date Market Guide
Turkey is one of the top three destinations for Egyptian dates. A large Ramadan consumption market that also runs a significant date-packing and re-export industry, Turkey draws heavily on Egypt’s affordable semi-dry Siwi dates. Egypt is the world’s largest date producer, and its export map is led by Morocco, Indonesia and Turkey. This guide covers the best varieties, logistics, market requirements, the season calendar, and how to open a supply program. HS code 0804.10.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Egyptian Dates to Turkey
- Product: dates — semi-dry (Siwi), soft and premium (Medjool) (HS 0804.10).
- Egypt’s position: the world’s largest date producer; Turkey is a top-three market.
- Turkey’s role: Ramadan consumption plus a date-packing & re-export industry.
- Best varieties: Siwi (semi-dry, the workhorse), Medjool (premium), Barhi.
- Main route: containerised (ambient) from Alexandria / Damietta to Mersin and Istanbul.
- Storage: semi-dry/dry dates ambient; soft/Medjool chilled (~0–4 °C).
- Compliance: phytosanitary certificate, Turkish import/food-safety rules, Halal on request.
- Incoterms: FOB / CIF / CFR — confirm per booking.
Why Egyptian Dates Work for the Turkish Market
Turkey combines strong Ramadan date consumption with a well-developed packing and re-export sector — buying dates in bulk to clean, sort, pack and re-distribute regionally. Egypt fits both roles: as the world’s largest producer it supplies affordable semi-dry Siwi at scale, plus premium Medjool for higher tiers, over a short eastern-Mediterranean sea leg that keeps freight low. Turkey ranks among Egypt’s top-three date destinations.
For Turkish importers and packers, Egyptian dates offer volume, a value-to-premium range and fast logistics ahead of the Ramadan build-up.
Best Varieties for Turkey
| Variety | Type / profile | Turkey fit |
|---|---|---|
| Siwi | Semi-dry, amber, sweet, great keeping | ★★★ The volume & re-pack workhorse |
| Medjool | Large, soft, premium | ★★★ Premium & gifting |
| Barhi | Soft, honey-like | ★★ Premium soft |
For full product detail see the Egyptian Dates Export Report.
Logistics: Egypt to Turkey
- Ports of loading: Alexandria, Damietta, Port Said.
- Ports of discharge: Mersin and Istanbul (Ambarlı), onward inland.
- Storage/temperature: semi-dry/dry dates ambient; soft & Medjool chilled ~0–4 °C.
- Packing: 5/10 kg bulk cartons for re-packers; retail packs; Medjool in trays; palletised.
- Transit: short eastern-Mediterranean sailing — fast, low-cost; book ahead of Ramadan.
Turkish Market Requirements
- Phytosanitary certificate from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture meeting Turkish import conditions.
- Food-safety compliance: residue and contaminant limits to Turkish/EU-aligned standards; 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: product, grade, net weight, crop year and producer.
Season & Shipping Window
| Period | Activity | Turkey notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aug–Oct | Date harvest & grading | New-crop packing; re-packers stock |
| Pre-Ramadan | Peak shipping | Book ahead for consumption & re-export |
| Year-round | Storage supply | Continuous availability from storage |
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is Turkey for Egyptian dates?
Turkey is one of Egypt’s top-three date destinations, combining Ramadan consumption with a date-packing and re-export industry. Egypt is the world’s largest date producer.
Which Egyptian date varieties suit Turkey?
Affordable semi-dry Siwi is the volume and re-pack workhorse, with premium Medjool for higher tiers and soft Barhi as a premium option.
How are Egyptian dates shipped to Turkey?
In ambient 20-ft containers from Alexandria or Damietta to Mersin and Istanbul; soft and Medjool dates are chilled at about 0–4 °C.
What documents are required to import Egyptian dates into Turkey?
A phytosanitary certificate meeting Turkish conditions, residue/contaminant compliance, a fumigation certificate where required, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, and HACCP/ISO 22000 (Halal on request).
Request a Quote for the Turkish Market
Building a Turkey date program? PEI Trade supplies semi-dry Siwi, premium Medjool and other Egyptian dates in bulk (for re-packers) or retail packs, with appropriate ambient or chilled handling, compliant documentation (Halal on request) and container delivery to Mersin and Istanbul — 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 Turkey: Semi-Dry Date Market Guide.” peitrade.com, 2026, https://peitrade.com/egyptian-date-exports-to-turkey/
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). Country-level Turkey volume qualitative. HS code 0804.10.
Related
- Report: Egyptian Dates Export Report 2026
- Seasonal calendar: Egyptian Export Season Calendar
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)