Dates are another traditional export from Tunisia to the United States, where much of the product enters in bulk to be repacked closer to the market. Dates lead Tunisian trade with 2016 exports of $239 million. In this segment, the United States accounts for 7.47 percent of Tunisia’s exports, with Morocco, France, and Germany representing larger markets for Tunisian dates.
The deglet nour or “finger of light,” which is the main variety grown for export, accounts for more than 75 percent of Tunisia’s production and is the main supplier for European markets. It is known for its translucent blonde color and its good storage capacity in a cold room, which allows it to be sold all year round. The dates are sold in the form of trendy natural dates, or in bulk, after having been dried, glucosées, and conditioned.