Riyadh, July 14, 2021, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s exports of dates increased, during the first quarter of 2021, by 67.3% by 142 000 tons than in the first quarter of the year 2020, as the total sales of dates outside the Kingdom, during the first quarter of 2021, exceeded SR 527 million, compared to SR 397 million in the same period in 2020. The figures come to illustrate the remarkable rise over the last three years, as the Kingdom’s exports of dates achieved an upward increase in the first quarter of the following years. In 2018 the Kingdom's recorded production estimated at 48 000 tons, was valued at SR 222 million, in 2019 it amounted to 55 000 tons, with a value of SR 267 million, in 2020 exports of dates reached 85000 tons, worth SR 397 million, while they jumped in the current year to exceed 142000 tons, with a value of SR 527 million, during the first quarter. The CEO of the National Center for Palms and Dates Dr. Mohammad bin Fahd Al-Nuwairan, indicated that this positive development is a result of continuous effort and cooperation exerted by the relevant authorities, manufacturers and producers of dates in achieving the goals the authority. -- SPA 22:02 LOCAL TIME 19:02 GMT 0038 www.spa.gov.sa/w1585595