Citrus fruit market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Iran's citrus fruit production and domestic market volume showed a general upward trend from 2018 to 2022. The initial expansion to over 8.0 million metric tons by 2019 and a subsequent slight dip in 2020 occurred within a context of structural constraints. These included reported insufficient government support for the sector, a lack of standardized sorting and packaging damaging product reputation abroad, and persistent maritime transport bottlenecks that limited export capacity to major markets like Russia.

A pronounced growth phase followed in 2021 and 2022, with production climbing to 8.8 million metric tons and market volume reaching 8.6 million metric tons. This increase was concurrent with large-scale, state-influenced storage operations designed to stabilize domestic supply for seasonal demand and a push to increase exports through targeted packages to Eurasian and Persian Gulf markets.

In 2023, both production and market volume contracted to 8.5 million and 8.3 million metric tons, respectively. During this period, authorities continued massive storage programs to manage supply and prices, and export initiatives remained focused on key regional destinations, even as the industry grappled with underlying challenges in meeting international quality standards and securing reliable transport logistics.

Production citrus fruit in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Iran was among the world's top citrus fruit producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 10th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Iran's citrus fruit production volume declined. In 2020, the country produced 8 155 K t of citrus fruit, showing only a slight fluctuation from the 8 200 K t recorded in 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production increased by 22.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The highest production volume was achieved in 2019 at 8 200 K t, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 18.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Citrus fruit production in Iran declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 141 M $ US, representing a significant decrease of 21.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 7.1%, averaging an annual decline of 2.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 4 276 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 26.4% during the period.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Iran

Exports in kind, K t

Iran's citrus fruit export volume increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 215.0 K t of citrus fruit, marking a substantial rise of 16.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports surged by 715.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 101.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Russia, and Afghanistan were the leading destinations for Iran's citrus fruit exports in volume terms. Iraq accounted for 67.1% of exports, Russia for 9.4%, and Afghanistan for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 84.3% of Iran's total citrus fruit export flows.

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, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Export values varied significantly, with a 6.7-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Iran exported citrus fruit worth 82 810 K $ US, experiencing a modest decline of 7.8% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 89 798 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 247.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Russia, and Afghanistan remained the primary markets for Iran's citrus fruit exports in value terms. Iraq contributed 62.0% of export value, Russia 12.0%, and Afghanistan 8.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 82.2% of Iran's total citrus fruit 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 citrus fruit to Iran

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Iran's citrus fruit imports totaled 0.6 K t, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased sharply by 96.2%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 66.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Iran in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During the 2017-2020 period, Turkey dominated Iran's citrus fruit imports in volume terms, absorbing 85.7% of total flows. The remainder was distributed among a variety of smaller trading partners.

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

World map of product's imports to Iran in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Iran imported citrus fruit worth 388 K $ US in 2020, showing little change from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value dropped by 96.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 66.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Iran in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the key supplier of citrus fruit to Iran, accounting for 85.1% of total import value. The remaining share was spread across a diverse group of other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Iran in value, 2017-2020