Iran exported 443,890 tons of dairy products worth $390 million in the last fiscal year (March 2020-21).
According to the latest figures published by the Agriculture Ministry, the volume of dairy exports experienced a 4.63% growth, compared with the year before, while the value of exported dairy products was 20% lower year-on-year.
Fresh milk topped the list of dairy products in terms of export value, with $103 million.
Milk powder came next with $49 million, followed by yogurt with $30 million and yogurt drink with $25 million.
Various types of cheese, cream and ice cream were also among the top dairy products exported from Iran during the period.
According to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Iraq was the leading destination of Iranian dairy products last year, with a 59% share.
Afghanistan and Pakistan followed by importing 16% and 11% of the total, respectively.
Syria and Russia were also among the top importers of Iranian dairy products.
A total of 20,350 tons of dairy products worth $110 million were imported during the same period.
Butter with 9,800 tons worth $51.46 million tops the list of imports.
Iran’s dairy industry currently has a nominal production capacity of 12 million tons per annum. Presently, 650 licensed dairy production units are active across the country.