The Iranian Pistachio Association recently reported a significant decline in pistachio exports compared to previous years. This trend underscores a concerning drop in export levels over the past four years, marking a notable Iranian pistachio exports decline.

Export Statistics and Domestic Consumption

According to the Iranian Pistachio Association, out of a total available inventory of 200,000 tons of pistachios at the start of the fiscal year, about 100,000 tons have been consumed. Of this, 82,000 tons of dried pistachios in their shells have been exported, while an estimated 18,000 tons were sold domestically. Consequently, the consumption-to-inventory ratio for the first half of the current fiscal year is estimated at 50%, indicating a steep Iranian Pistachio Exports Decline when compared to the last four years.

The report further highlights that nearly 45% of the export weight in the first half of this fiscal year consisted of pistachio kernels and green kernels, an increase from the 35% average of similar exports over the previous four years. This change reflects a shift in export composition amidst the overall Iranian Pistachio Exports Decline.

At the end of the fiscal year, it’s estimated that 100,000 tons of dried pistachios in shells will remain. As per the latest customs data, 11,000 tons of various types of pistachios and kernels were exported in the sixth month of the 1403-1402 fiscal year.

The Commonwealth of Independent States, the Indian subcontinent, and East Asia have been the principal importers of Iranian pistachios.

Last year, we discussed Iran’s position in the global pistachio market and the various challenges it faced. Continuing on this theme, recent updates reveal that Iran still lags behind in pistachio production compared to global leaders. Mahmoud Sadeghi, the CEO of the National Pistachio Union of Iran, highlighted the impact of water scarcity on production, notably in Kerman province, which accounts for 60% of the country’s output. This scarcity has led some farmers to establish new orchards near Tehran.

Despite facing obstacles such as frost damage, financial constraints, export barriers, and difficulties in foreign currency acquisition, Iranian pistachios, particularly those from Kerman, are renowned globally for their quality and are predominantly exported. Meanwhile, the global pistachio market continues to be dominated by the United States, which has significantly advanced its production capabilities since the 1970s through modern agricultural technologies.

Reflecting on last year’s discussion, the ongoing challenges and strategic shifts within Iran’s pistachio industry highlight the critical need for technological advancements and improved resource management to sustain and enhance Iran’s competitive standing in the international market.

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