The competitive advantage of the tunisian date- growing sectro in the mediterranean region

Abstract

In Tunisia, date-palm cultivation and production are of clear strategic importance in terms of economic, social and environmental development. However, the globalization of markets has had a huge impact on the traditional concept of the comparative advantage enjoyed by Tunisia in date exports, highlighting the necessary determinants for competitiveness in the international scenario, in particular those related to quality and industrial strategies. In fact, an analysis of the competitive advantage of the Tunisian date industry in the Mediterranean area and Iran over the last 20 years shows that the country is still the main supplier of dates to the EU. The Deglet-Nour variety, in particular, puts Tunisia ahead of traditional competitors such as Algeria and Iran, but it is currently facing new competitors like Israel and re-exporting countries like France. We also report that the industry is currently undergoing several technical problems, including pests and diseases, which represent the main cause for rejection of this product in the EU, and constitute by far the most important phytosanitary problems facing both production and export of dates. New business strategies (conditioning, new non-chemical treatments, packing, opening new markets, new distribution channels) would be positive responses to tackle current market limitations, the emergence of new producers and restrictive EU policies.