Leguminous vegetables market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh leguminous vegetables in Iran expanded from 56 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 68.3 thousand tonnes in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a sustained government policy promoting greenhouse development and the adoption of micro-irrigation technology, which aimed to increase production efficiency and conserve water resources. While annual production remained stable at around 81 thousand tonnes, a consistent decline in exports over the period made more produce available for domestic consumption, thereby increasing the overall market volume.

In 2020, the market volume contracted to 62.1 thousand tonnes as the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in supply chains and logistics. This temporary setback was partially offset by the rapid growth of online sales platforms for fresh vegetables in major cities, which helped maintain domestic demand. The market recovered in 2021, reaching 67.1 thousand tonnes, supported by continued investment in greenhouse infrastructure and improved packaging and cold-chain management standards for both domestic and export markets.

The market stabilized at 67.5–68.3 thousand tonnes in 2022–2023. This period was characterized by the further development of agricultural production cooperatives and supply chains, which improved market organization. The ongoing expansion of e-commerce and modern packaging solutions for fresh produce, alongside persistent water-saving policies, provided a stable foundation for supplying the Iranian domestic market throughout the observed years.

Production leguminous vegetables in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

Iran's production of leguminous vegetables saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 82 497 tonnes, but then fell by 2.4% to 80 497 tonnes in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 3.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, the value of Iran's leguminous vegetables production dropped. In 2019, production value peaked at 36 078 thousand US dollars, but then plummeted by 27.9% to 26 008 thousand US dollars in 2020. From 2017 to 2020, the total production value decreased by 4.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.4%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019, at 16.6%.

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

Exports leguminous vegetables from Iran

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2017 and the highest in 2018 at 24 882 tonnes, representing a fivefold difference. In 2020, Iran exported 18 351 tonnes of leguminous vegetables, marking a modest increase of 9.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 32.6%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, at 395.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates were the primary destinations for Iran's leguminous vegetables exports, together accounting for 91.4% of total export volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various other countries, forming a fragmented but diverse market.

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 export value of leguminous vegetables from Iran experienced considerable volatility. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018 at 9 511 thousand US dollars, with a 5.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 929 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial decrease of 19.1% from the prior year. The largest decline was in 2019, at 22.9%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, with a surge of 444.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates dominated Iran's leguminous vegetables exports in value terms, representing 90.8% of the total. Other countries contributed to a diversified but smaller share of the export market.

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

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

Imports leguminous vegetables to Iran

Market data indicates that Iran did not import any leguminous vegetables from 2017 to 2020.