If export barriers are removed, Iran could earn $1.5 to $2 billion by exporting pistachios, according to the head of the Iran Pistachio Association.
Mohammad Salehi said Iranian pistachios are renowned for their taste and quality, attracting international buyers. “Except for Australia and the American countries that source from the US, most other countries buy pistachios from Iran,” he noted.
The US is the largest pistachio producer, with 676,000 tons annually, approximately 67% of the world’s production, while Iran ranks second with 180,000 tons, or 18% of global output.
Despite being the third-largest producer, Turkey consumes most of its pistachios domestically, he said. Afghan pistachio orchards near Herat are expected to yield fruit in 10 years, making Afghanistan a future competitor, he added.
This year, Iran's pistachio production is expected to be about 170,000 tons, down from 190,000 tons last year. Our export currently stands at over 140,000 tons as due to strict laws and other obstacles; the country cannot export 25,000 to 30,000 tons of pistachio products, he stated, adding that part of the pistachio output is also used domestically.
Salehi highlighted that sanctions-related export obstacles slow down the export process, as traders must bring forex from exports into the country to export again. Banking issues caused by sanctions delay this process, affecting pistachio exports to markets like China, where US pistachios are gradually replacing Iranian ones.