In an effort to stabilise market prices during Ramadan, the government has reduced import tariffs on dates, resulting in an increase of 7,897 tonnes in imports compared to the previous year.
This has significantly impacted wholesale prices, with reductions ranging from Tk35 to Tk500 per kilogramme across six major date varieties. Retail markets are also witnessing a corresponding decline in prices.
A market survey in Chattogram’s wholesale fruit market, Falmondi, reveals a notable decrease in the price of almost all varieties of dates. Over the past year, the price per kilogramme has fallen by Tk60 for Dabash dates, Tk260 for Mariyam, Tk280 for Kalmi, Tk333 for Sukkari, Tk400 for Mabroom, Tk500 for Ajwa, Tk280 for Medjool, Tk170 for Zahidi, Tk160 for Iraqi Naghal, Tk160 for Iraqi Dabash, Tk140 for Tunisian Sayer, and Tk35 for the least expensive soft-packed dates.
Last February, a supply crisis and various market manipulations led to a sharp rise in date prices, making it difficult for consumers to afford the Ramadan staple. However, this year, due to an increased supply, the wholesale market remains stable, and prices are expected to remain steady throughout the holy month.
Current market prices
At present, Dabash dates are retailing at Tk360 per kilogramme, Kalmi at Tk560, Sukkari at Tk600, Mabroom at Tk720, Mariyam at Tk980, Ajwa at Tk1,000, Medjool at Tk920, Zahidi at Tk350, Naghal at Tk560, Dabash at Tk700, Tunisian Sayer at Tk400, and the least expensive soft-packed variety at Tk125 per kilogramme.
According to Chattogram Fruit Traders Association General Secretary Touhidul Alam, the government’s tariff reduction has allowed not only major importers but also smaller traders to bring in dates this year. As a result, supply has increased significantly, leading to a decline in wholesale prices. He assured that there is no likelihood of price surges during Ramadan, offering consumers much-needed relief.
Annual demand and import sources
Bangladesh’s annual demand for dates stands at approximately 80,000 tonnes, with 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes required during Ramadan alone. Importers primarily source dates from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Algeria, and other Middle Eastern nations.
Until the 2023-24 fiscal year, date imports were subject to a 25% tariff and a 10% advance income tax (AIT). However, to maintain affordability during Ramadan, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) reduced the tariff from 25% to 15% and AIT from 10% to 3% on 22 November 2024. This reduced tariff scheme will remain in effect until 31 March 2025.
Revised import valuation
For the current year, the NBR has adjusted the assessment value of premium date varieties, including Ajwa, Mariyam, Medjool, Mabroom, and Amber, reducing it by $0.25 per kilogramme to $3.75.
Additionally, the assessment value for Algerian and Tunisian dates has been cut by $0.40 per kilogramme to $2.60, while Iraqi carton-packed dates have seen a reduction of $1.50 per kilogramme to $2.50.
The valuation for carton-packed dates from non-Iraqi sources has dropped by $0.40 per kilogramme to $2.10, dry sack-packed dates by $0.50 per kilogramme to $2.00, and wet sack-packed dates by $0.30 per kilogramme to $0.70.
Significant increase in imports
According to Chattogram Port authorities, imports have risen by 7,897 tonnes compared to last year. In 2023, a total of 67,323 tonnes of dates were imported through the port, whereas in 2024, this figure has climbed to 75,220 tonnes.
Additionally, January alone saw the import of 519 tonnes of dates.
One of the leading importers this year, Khatunganj-based Faruq Trade International, has imported 60 containers of dates through Chattogram Port.
Faruq Ahmed, the proprietor of the firm, confirmed that all containers have been cleared from the port and attributed the stable market conditions to increased imports, the tariff reduction, and the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) bolstering its stock. He assured that consumers would benefit from reasonably priced dates, with some varieties available for as low as Tk150 per kilogramme.
TCB’s Ramadan initiative
The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) commenced the sale of dates in Chattogram at 20 designated points from 10 February, offering the fruit at Tk155 per kilogramme. Consumers can also purchase 500 grams at Tk77.50.
Market oversight and consumer rights
Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Vice President SM Nazer Hossain has urged authorities to remain vigilant against hoarding and other market manipulations that could drive up prices during Ramadan.
He warned that last-minute enforcement actions by regulatory bodies would not be sufficient and emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of importers, wholesalers, and retailers to ensure fair pricing.
Fayez Ullah, deputy director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate’s Chattogram division, confirmed that daily market inspections are being conducted to verify purchase and selling prices, ensure transparency in pricing, and prevent overcharging.
He assured that any violations would be met with strict penalties and encouraged consumers to report any fraudulent practices.
As Bangladesh prepares for Ramadan, proactive measures by the government, traders, and regulatory bodies appear to be ensuring price stability, offering consumers much-needed respite during the fasting month.
