OPTIMIZING GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION FOR SAUDI ARABIA EXPORTS OF DATE PALM

M. Samir El-Habbab, A. A. Muhsen, F. Al-Muhim

Abstract: This study aims at evaluating dates export trends, export stability index and level of exports’ geographic concentration. Moreover, it examines the possibility of maximizing the returns of exporting dates. A quantitative analysis was used to estimate the export trends in quantity, unit value and total value of exported dates during the period 1997-2011. The stability index for trade in dates during the same period was calculated. GINI Coefficient, as a concentration indicator, was calculated and linear programming algorithm was used to re-distribute the dates’ exports between the selected countries. Secondary data, mainly from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, was used in the analysis. The results showed that all of the quantity exported, unit values and the value of exports from Saudi Arabia dates show
increasing trend during the period (1997 - 2011).On the other hand, the results showed more stability of Saudi Arabia dates exports during the studied period.
Saudi Arabia dates were directed to many countries of the world, Yemen occupied the first place in import quantities (29.49% of the total exports from Saudi Arabia), then comes Jordan in the second place and Pakistan ranked third. Turkey ranked fourth and India ranked fifth. The suggested Geographic re-distribution of Saudi Arabia dates exports ensured an increase of dates export earnings by about US $ 11.87 million annually(i.e. 18.45% of total exports).

Keywords: date palm; exports; Saudi Arabia; stability

Date published: 2017-10-09