Iran’s agricultural exports soared by 29% to $5.2 billion in the calendar year ending March 20, 2025, with shipment volumes rising 11% to 7.6 million metric tons, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA). This growth reflects Iran’s strategic efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Pistachios led as the top export, generating $1.5 billion, underscoring the sector’s critical role in bolstering non-oil revenues.
Key agricultural products driving this surge included fishery exports, which grew 17% to $372 million, with shrimp and tuna as major items, primarily sold to China, Iraq, and the UAE. Other significant exports included tomatoes ($233 million), dates ($205 million), and saffron ($185 million), with the UAE, Spain, and China as leading destinations. These figures highlight Iran’s expanding presence in global agricultural markets and its focus on strengthening trade ties with regional and international partners.
The robust growth in agricultural exports aligns with Iran’s broader economic strategy to reduce reliance on crude oil, leveraging its diverse agricultural output to generate foreign exchange. By targeting high-value crops and seafood, Iran is capitalizing on global demand, particularly in neighboring and Asian markets. This success reinforces the country’s resilience against external pressures, such as U.S. sanctions, and positions agriculture as a cornerstone of its economic diversification efforts.
