Iran's Agrifood Trade Deficit Widens

Agrifood exports from Iran are on the decline, as imports rise significantly. The latest data released by the Agriculture Ministry show Iran exported 6.94 million tons of agricultural and food products worth US$4.28 billion during the current fiscal year’s first ten months (March 21-Jan. 20). The figures indicate a 2.15% decline in tonnage and a 15.24% decrease in value compared with last year’s corresponding period.

Pistachios topped the list of exports in terms of value by earning US$797.4 million. Tomatoes were the second major agricultural export product in terms of value with US$314.29 million, followed by dates with US$216.46 million, apples with US$199.62 million and watermelons with US$191.04 million. In terms of tonnage, watermelons topped the list with 819,110 tons, followed by tomatoes with 707,240 tons, potatoes with 568,220 tons and onions, shallots, and garlics with 324,480 tons. - Financial Tribune