Iran’s pistachio exports expected to reach $2b: Association head
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
The chairman of the Iran Pistachio Association, Mohammad Salehi, announced a significant increase in pistachio exports this Iranian year (started march 20), predicting that the hard currency revenue generated from these exports could reach $2 billion.
In an interview with Iran Daily, Salehi stated that pistachio export revenues in the last Iranian year were approximately $1.5 billion as he expects this figure to rise based on the current export trends.
Salehi elaborated on the status of pistachio production and exports, noting that frost damage in recent years had reduced output and exports.
However, this year, favorable weather conditions led to a robust harvest, which has resulted in increased export levels so far.
During September 22-November 20, a total of 56,000 tons of pistachios were exported, accounting for about 25% of the country’s total pistachio production within just two months, he said.
Salehi further explained that, typically, 20% of pistachio production is stored annually, while the remaining 180,000 tons are either exported or consumed domestically.
“This year, an estimated 150,000 tons will be exported, with 30,000 tons allocated for domestic consumption,” he noted.
Despite the increase in exports, Salehi warned that Iran has lost some of its international markets due to insufficient efforts in the past two to three years.
He added that the United States, Iran’s main competitor in pistachio production, has taken over some of these markets.
Currently, Iran ranks third globally in pistachio production, with an output of approximately 200,000 tons, representing 20% of global production. The US leads with 420,000 tons (46%), followed by Turkey with 277,000 tons (30%).
“About a decade ago, Iran controlled nearly 90% of the global pistachio market,” Salehi said. “However, challenges in production and exports have reduced our share of the market.”
Regarding export destinations, Salehi stated that East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, the Persian Gulf littoral countries, and the European Union are key markets for Iranian pistachios as a significant portion of the exports is shipped to China, India, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
He also explained that pistachio production and export statistics are calculated annually from late September to the following September. In the last agricultural year (ended September 21), Iran’s pistachio production was approximately 200,000 tons.
It is too early to predict next year’s production levels, Salehi noted, as the yield largely depends on weather conditions during the spring blossoming period in between late April and late June. Harsh winter frosts could also impact production.
“Iran has significant potential to expand pistachio orchards and increase production,” Salehi said. “However, water shortages in summer and frost damage in winter remain major challenges for farmers.”
He urged the government to recognize pistachios as a key non-oil export commodity and provide more support to the industry. “The government’s agricultural and economic teams must work together to create better conditions for pistachio production and export.”
Salehi concluded by noting that the pistachio harvest begins in late September and early October. This year’s harvest was better than previous years, and production is expected to exceed 200,000 tons.