Dried shelled lentils market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

The Iranian dried shelled lentils market exhibited strong volatility between 2018 and 2023. After a modest decline to 165.9 thousand tons in 2019, market volume grew for three consecutive years, reaching a peak of 217.2 thousand tons in 2022. This upward trajectory was abruptly reversed in 2023, with consumption contracting sharply to 138.2 thousand tons.

The market's fluctuations were closely tied to import volumes, which swung from 85.6 thousand tons in 2019 to a high of 138.8 thousand tons in 2022 before falling to 60.4 thousand tons in 2023. In contrast, domestic production remained stable, averaging approximately 78 thousand tons annually throughout the period, highlighting the market's reliance on imported supply to meet demand.

Preliminary data for 2024 indicates a partial recovery in imports to 75.0 thousand tons, while exports remained minimal. The consistent stability of local production underscores that shifts in international trade flows were the primary determinant of overall market volume changes during these years.

Production dried shelled lentils in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran ranked 13th globally in the production of dried shelled lentils.

Top producers of dried shelled lentils, 2017-2020

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

Following two years of growth, Iran's production of dried shelled lentils declined. In 2020, Iran produced 76 302 tonnes, marking a moderate decrease of 4.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 80 223 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 1.5%.

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

Exports dried shelled lentils from Iran

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports dropped significantly from a peak in 2018 to a low in 2019, with a 10.9-fold difference between these years. In 2019, Iran's exports of dried shelled lentils amounted to 0.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a dramatic year-over-year decline of 90.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 thousand tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a surge of 155.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq, Turkmenistan, and Canada were the top buyers of dried shelled lentils from Iran, accounting for 60.5%, 17.3%, and 10.2% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 88.1% of Iran's total exports in this category.

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

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. The highest value was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 22 times. In 2019, Iran's exports of dried shelled lentils in value terms totaled 0.0 million US dollars, showing a steep year-over-year decline of 95.5%. The maximum value was reached in 2018 at 0.1 million US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 98.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq dominated Iran's exports of dried shelled lentils in value terms, holding a 71.3% share of total flows. Other markets played a less significant role in this period.

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 lentils to Iran

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Iran's imports of dried shelled lentils increased. In 2020, imports reached approximately 105.4 thousand tonnes, representing a solid rise of 23.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 16.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 85.6 thousand tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 23.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Turkey were the key sources for Iran's imports of dried shelled lentils in kind, collectively accounting for 88.8% of total flows.

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

Following a two-year reduction, Iran's imports of dried shelled lentils in value terms increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 86.4 million US dollars, reflecting a rise of 47.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 42.1%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 16.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 58.5 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a decrease of 39.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Turkey formed the core group of partners for Iran's imports of dried shelled lentils in value terms, with shares of 67.6%, 10.6%, and 8.4%, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 86.6% of total import flows.

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

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