Dried shelled legumes market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, Iran's dried shelled legumes market volume expanded from 998 thousand tons to 1 145 thousand tons, a 15% increase. This growth was primarily driven by a shift in consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, as legumes gained popularity as a more affordable protein substitute for meat. In 2021, government policies to manage export and import flows further supported market volume by facilitating a 29% surge in imports to balance domestic supply.

Market growth stalled in 2022, with volume dipping to 1 112 thousand tons. This was largely due to a shortage of agricultural inputs and exchange rate volatility, which constrained domestic production. A sharp contraction followed in 2023, as the market volume plunged by 17% to 925 thousand tons. The dramatic fall was directly caused by severe difficulties in foreign currency allocation for importers, which led to a 54% collapse in imports, compounded by rising global legume prices.

In 2024, imports partially recovered to 155 thousand tons but remained well below peak levels, while exports grew to 98 thousand tons. The market continued to be shaped by currency allocation challenges and inflationary pressures, with an ongoing emphasis on packaging standards and the role of major companies in maintaining supply.

Production dried shelled legumes in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

Iran's production of dried shelled legumes has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 945.0 thousand tons, marking a slight rise of 1.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production declined by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 841.4 thousand tons, which represented the largest decline of 14.1% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 11.0%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Iran

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 6.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Iran's foreign supplies of dried shelled legumes amounted to 18.7 thousand tons, showing a significant year-on-year increase of 33.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 53.0 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 552.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 73.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan and Iraq were the leading destinations for Iran's exports in kind, together accounting for 81.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 9.5-fold difference between the low of 2019 and the high of 2018. In 2020, dried shelled legumes shipments from Iran abroad amounted to 11.8 million US dollars, representing a 34.0% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 89.4%. The maximum value occurred in 2018 at 83.6 million US dollars, marking the largest increase of 616.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Pakistan and Iraq clearly dominated the partner structure for exports in value terms, while other countries collectively formed the remaining share.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Iran

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Iran's volume of dried shelled legumes imports increased. In 2020, imports stood at 180.9 thousand tons, equivalent to a measured rise of 9.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 43.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 164.6 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 34.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (48.6% of imports in kind), Russia (11.8%), and Turkey (11.4%) remained the principal suppliers of dried shelled legumes to Iran. Together, they accounted for 71.8% of total imports in kind.

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, M $ US

After a two-year fall, Iran's dried shelled legumes import volume increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 149.1 million US dollars, indicating a gain of 11.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 59.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 25.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 133.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 40.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Arab Emirates (49.7% of imports in value terms), Turkey (11.1%), and Russia (8.4%) formed the core of imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 69.2% of total flows.

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

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