TEHRAN – Iran’s exports of fresh and dried dates increased by 25 percent in value in 2024, generating more than $213 million in foreign currency earnings, according to trade data.
Based on figures reported by the International Trade Centre (ITC), Iran exported 332,346 tons of dates in 2024, worth $213.049 million.
The average export price stood at $641 per ton during the year.
The 2024 export value marks a 25 percent increase compared with the previous year, reflecting stronger demand in key regional markets and improved export performance.
India was the largest destination for Iranian dates, accounting for 19.5 percent of total exports. The United Arab Emirates ranked second with an 11 percent share, followed by Pakistan (7.3 percent), Turkey (6.8 percent), and Kazakhstan (4.9 percent).
Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, the value of Iran’s date exports rose by 9 percent, while export volumes increased by 10 percent, according to ITC data.
Iran is among the world’s leading producers of dates, and the steady growth in exports highlights the product’s importance in the country’s non-oil trade basket.
The country is renowned for its diverse range of date varieties, with major production centered in the provinces of Kerman, Sistan-Baluchestan, Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Bushehr, and Fars.
Domestically, Iranians consume about 70 percent of the harvest, with a significant surge in demand during the holy month of Ramadan. The remaining 30 percent or roughly 350,000 tons, is exported annually, generating substantial revenue of around $400 million.
Key international markets for Iranian dates include India, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, and countries in East Asia and the European Union.
To further enhance the sector’s value and reduce post-harvest losses—historically estimated at 30 percent—there is a growing focus on processing dates into value-added products such as syrup, paste, and chocolate for both domestic use and export.
Iran’s agriculture sector is a cornerstone of its economy and a key player in its non-oil exports. The country produces a vast array of crops, thanks to its diverse climate zones, and is making significant strides in boosting its international trade.
Iran’s agricultural sector is substantial, with an annual production volume estimated between 125 and 130 million tons. This output is valued at over $70 billion and enables the country to meet about 83% to 90% of its domestic food requirements . The sector contributes 11-14% to Iran’s GDP and employs around 18% of the national workforce.
The country’s diverse geography allows it to be a leading global producer of several high-value crops. Based on FAO data, Iran ranks among the world’s top producers for items like pistachios, dates, honey, and walnuts. For instance, with over 600,000 hectares of orchards, Iran has the world’s largest pistachio cultivation area. Key agricultural products include:
Strategic crops are wheat, barley, rice, and corn form the backbone of the country’s food security .
In terms of horticultural Products, Iran is famous for its pistachios (often called “green gold”), dates, saffron, and a wide variety of fresh and dried fruits.
Agricultural products are a vital component of Iran’s non-oil exports, representing about 17.7 percent to 30 percent of the total. The country has successfully expanded its export footprint, now shipping its goods to over 80 countries worldwide, including nations in Europe, Asia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Despite its strengths, the sector faces significant challenges, including recurring water scarcity and droughts, which impact crop yields, as seen with recent below-average wheat harvests. Farmers also contend with difficulties in securing essential inputs like fertilizers due to foreign currency allocation issues. However, the government is actively working to address these issues by promoting modern irrigation, supporting knowledge-based companies, and offering tax exemptions for agricultural exports to boost competitiveness on the global stage.
EF/MA
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: tehrantimes.com
