Agrifood exports from Iran are on the decline, as imports have risen significantly, the latest data released by the Agriculture Ministry show.
Iran exported 4.62 million tons of agricultural and food products worth $2.79 billion during the current fiscal year’s first seven months (March 21-Oct. 22).
The figures indicate a 2.18% rise in tonnage but a 12.58% decline in value compared with last year’s corresponding period.
Pistachio topped the list of exports in terms of value by earning $533.93 million during the period.
Tomato was the second major agricultural export product in terms of value with $205.9 million, followed by watermelon with $175.48 million, dates with $117.05 million and apple with $104.59 million.
In terms of tonnage, watermelon topped the list with 751,740 tons, followed by tomato with 435,490 tons, potato with 410,510 tons and apple with 353,520 tons and onion, shallot and garlic with 190,180 tons.
Agronomical products accounted for 3.11 million tons worth $1.07 billion of total exports, up 4.49% in terms of tonnage and down 12% in terms of value year-on-year.
Horticultural exports amounted to 1.11 million tons worth $1.29 billion, up 7.51% in terms of tonnage and down 5.98% in value YOY respectively.
Exports of livestock and poultry products reached 340,410 tons worth $307,410 million, down 24.41% in tonnage and 33.11% in value YOY.
The veterinary sector exported 609 tons of products worth $5.67 million, up 43% and 30.85% in weight and value YOY respectively.
The fisheries sector exported 57,830 tons worth $102.42 million, posting a rise of 0.29% in total volume and a fall of 14.46% in value respectively YOY.
Exports from the forest and rangeland sector hit 8,710 tons worth $12.71 million, down 23.46% and 29.6% in tonnage and value respectively YOY.