Written Date Formats Around the World

Post by
Katie Almeida Spencer
Originally published February 23, 2016, updated September 25, 2020
Originally published February 23, 2016, updated September 25, 2020

Various global regions abbreviate dates differently, which can be very confusing when writing to global business colleagues or customers.
For example, this statement is confusing:
Third quarter production reports are due from all global regions by 2/10/16.
Does 2/10/16 mean:
- February 10, 2016?
- October 2, 2016?
What is the best way to express date formats for a global audience?
There are no firm business grammar rules, but there are logical options. This video will explain: