Cucumbers and gherkins market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for fresh cucumbers and gherkins in Iran grew by 32%, reaching 502,000 tons. This expansion was primarily fueled by a significant drop in exports, which fell from 270,000 tons in 2018 to 148,000 tons in 2020. The decline was initially driven by broader economic and trade factors reducing shipments abroad, and later intensified by international sanctions and logistical challenges, which kept more produce available for domestic consumption. During this period, severe drought and pest infestations in key production provinces, coupled with rising costs for labor and agricultural inputs, also contributed to market dynamics by putting upward pressure on prices and affecting supply stability.

A sharp reversal began in 2021, with the market contracting by 19% to 405,000 tons and continuing its decline to 263,000 tons by 2023. This downturn was largely driven by a persistent drought that reduced harvest yields, compounded by ongoing supply chain issues for agricultural inputs due to currency fluctuations and sanctions, which increased production costs. Concurrently, changes in export policies and customs regulations further complicated access to foreign markets, while heightened government price controls on domestic sellers were implemented in an attempt to manage inflation, influencing the market environment.

By 2023, production had fallen to 436,000 tons, reflecting the cumulative impact of adverse climate conditions and economic constraints over the latter part of the period. The market's value also decreased significantly, dropping to $77.5 million, as lower physical volumes were met with continued high production costs and regulatory measures aimed at the domestic market.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran ranked as the 10th largest producer of cucumbers and gherkins globally.

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

World map of production of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

In 2020, Iran produced 650 thousand tonnes of cucumbers and gherkins, marking a moderate decline of 7.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 13.5%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 4.7%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2018, at 13.3%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019, with an 8.1% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Cucumbers and gherkins production in Iran declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 172.0 million US dollars, reflecting a significant decrease of 30.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value dropped by 39.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -15.6%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Iran

Exports in kind, K t

Iran's exports of cucumbers and gherkins declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 148.3 thousand tonnes, a 37.5% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 36.9%, with a CAGR of -14.2%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 270.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 15.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran's exports in kind were highly concentrated, with Iraq and Russia accounting for 84.4% of total shipments, while other partners made up the remaining share.

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 export value of cucumbers and gherkins declined for the second year running. In 2020, exports reached 39.2 million US dollars, down 53.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 56.2%, with a CAGR of -24.1%. The highest value was in 2018 at 116.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 29.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq and Russia were the primary buyers of cucumbers and gherkins from Iran, together representing 85.1% of total export value, with the rest distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Iran

Desk research indicates that Iran did not import any cucumbers and gherkins from 2017 to 2020.