Iran’s Dried Fruit Exporters Association:
Pistachio exports to EU continue unimpeded
Iranian pistachios have regained the position in the European market, and exports to the European Union have resumed, said the head of Iran’s Dried Fruit Exporters Association.
Following a six-month reassessment period for the quality of exported Iranian pistachios, the European Union has lifted restrictions and declared exports of this product will continue unimpeded, Mohammadreza Farshchian said, ISNA reported.
Farshchian reported an improvement in Iran's pistachio exports to the European Union, announcing that Iranian pistachios have been removed from the EU's special monitoring list, and exports are currently proceeding without issue.
The European Union had set a deadline for exporters to review their shipments and comply with health standards during this period, he said, adding, “After these six months, implementing sampling, packaging modifications, and other necessary measures, the EU's rejection rate for shipments dropped significantly. As a result of these actions, Iranian pistachios were removed from that special review list, and currently, there is no problem in the export process to Europe."
Volume of exports
Regarding the volume of exports, Farshchian said, "Our estimate is that this year, approximately 9,000 to 10,000 tons of pistachios will be exported to the European Union, equivalent to about 7% of the country's total pistachio exports. If we consider around €8.5 per kilo, this export volume generates less than $100 million in foreign exchange revenue. However, considering pistachio kernels, this figure could reach approximately $105 to $200 million. Naturally, the foreign exchange revenue will vary depending on the type of pistachio and its destination."
He referred to the country's overall pistachio export statistics, stating, "This year, compared to the previous agricultural year, pistachio exports have increased by 100% in terms of weight and by 60% in terms of value".
"Iran's total pistachio exports amount to about 180,000 tons, " he said, adding, "The main export destinations, in order, include China, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, Arab states in the region, and the European Union."