As Ramadan approaches, Bangladesh’s date market is seeing positive signs of stability, thanks to a sharp increase in imports and the government’s decision to reduce import duties. Importers have already built-up substantial stocks to ensure smooth supply during the fasting month, with prices now more affordable for consumers.
The combined impact of higher imports and tax concessions has eased pressure on prices, generating optimism that there will be no shortage of dates this Ramadan. Official data shows a significant rise in date imports during the first half of the FY 25–26 fiscal year, with imports increasing by 67 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year. As a result, wholesale and retail prices for ordinary dates are now hovering below Tk200 per kg, a level most consumers can afford during the fasting month.
Data from the Plant Quarantine Station at Chattogram Sea Port indicates that 18,043 metric tons of dates were imported between July and December 2025, compared to just 5,927 metric tons during the same period in the previous fiscal year. The monthly figures further reflect the upward trend, with November imports at 3,242 metric tons and December’s figure surging to 10,160 metric tons—an increase of nearly 68 per cent within a month.
The rapid clearance of consignments brought in ahead of Ramadan from Chattogram Port and nearby depots has helped stabilise supply chains and reduce additional costs. Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association (BFFIA) President Sirajul Islam stated that the market situation this year is significantly better than previous years. “The date market is normal compared to earlier years. 30 kg bags of imported ordinary quality dates are being sold at around Tk150 per kg at the wholesale level. At retail, consumers can buy them at Tk170 to Tk180 per kg,” he said.
Sirajul Islam also mentioned that nearly half of the Ramadan-specific consignments have already arrived, with the remaining shipments expected by January. “Given the current pace of imports, we do not expect any shortage of dates this time,” he added.
BFFIA estimates that Bangladesh’s annual demand for dates ranges between 60,000 and 90,000 tons, with around 40,000 tons consumed during Ramadan alone. The government has introduced several measures to facilitate the smooth supply of dates ahead of Ramadan, including significant duty reductions. In December 2025, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) reduced customs duties on dates from 25 per cent to 15 per cent, effective until 31 March 2026. Additionally, the advance income tax on imports was reduced from 10 per cent to 5 per cent, with the 50 per cent concession on advance income tax extended from the previous year.
Importers and officials from the Department of Agricultural Marketing have noted that the positive effects of these measures are already visible. Depending on quality, ordinary dates are priced between Tk170 and Tk200 per kg, while premium varieties range from Tk1,000 to Tk1,500 per kg.
Shah Mohammad Morshed Quader, Senior Agricultural Marketing Officer at Chattogram District, confirmed that the market remains stable. “At the retail level, ordinary dates are currently selling between Tk150 and Tk200 per kg. Even after Ramadan begins, we expect the market to remain stable,” he said.
