Alliaceous vegetables market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for alliaceous vegetables in Iran expanded steadily from 1.2 million tonnes in 2018 to 2.0 million tonnes in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by the Ministry of Agriculture's push to develop greenhouses and adopt drip irrigation systems, which improved water efficiency and raised yields. Rising exports to neighboring countries like Iraq and Russia further encouraged production increases. From 2020, the launch of online vegetable stores in Tehran and Karaj made fresh products more accessible, while a growing consumer preference for packaged and ready-to-eat vegetables sustained domestic demand. In 2021, the market received an additional boost from the expansion of the dried vegetable segment, particularly for high-demand items like dried dill and mint, which increased processing of fresh produce.

In 2022, the market volume fell sharply to 1.5 million tonnes, largely due to severe price volatility in the fruit and vegetable sector that disrupted production and consumption. Although government support for greenhouse development continued, the uncertainty led to a significant output reduction. By 2023, the market partially recovered to 1.6 million tonnes, reflecting more stable conditions and the ongoing effect of infrastructure investments.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran ranked 11th globally in terms of production volume for alliaceous vegetables.

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Iran's production of alliaceous vegetables grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 199 K t, which was a 7.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. The lowest production volume occurred in 2018 at 1 589 K t, marking the largest decline of 10.2% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase at 29.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Iran in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of alliaceous vegetables production in Iran decreased slightly. In 2020, output was valued at 652.4 M $ US, down 2.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 26.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 667.9 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Iran in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Iran

Exports in kind, K t

Iran's exports of alliaceous vegetables increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 515.3 K t, a 19.9% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 270%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 54.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Iran in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan remained the top buyers of alliaceous vegetables from Iran. Iraq accounted for 66.6% of exports in kind, the United Arab Emirates for 11.6%, and Afghanistan for 4.7%. Together, these three countries represented 83.0% of Iran's total exports in kind during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Iran in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Iran's cross-border shipments of alliaceous vegetables grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 152.9 M $ US, up 9.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 278%, with a compound annual growth rate of 55.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Iran in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan continued to be the main destinations for Iran's alliaceous vegetables in value terms. Iraq made up 65.2% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 10.2%, and Afghanistan 5.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 80.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Iran in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Iran

Based on industry analysis, Iran did not import any alliaceous vegetables from 2017 to 2020.