Lettuce and chicory market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lettuce and chicory in Iran experienced a downward trend from 321.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 244.8 thousand tons in 2022, before a modest recovery to 254.6 thousand tons in 2023. This overall contraction was primarily driven by a sustained increase in exports, which rose from 123.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 188.1 thousand tons in 2022, diverting a larger share of domestic production abroad. Domestic output remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 432.8 and 445.6 thousand tons, supported by agricultural advancements such as the adoption of heat-resistant seeds for year-round cultivation and the expansion of greenhouse farming.

Specific market developments played key roles in shaping this trajectory. Improved packaging and transportation methods, including the use of crushed ice and refrigerated vehicles, facilitated higher export volumes from 2019 onward, reducing domestic availability. Supply-side pressures emerged in 2021 and 2022 due to heat stress and drought conditions, which constrained yields and contributed to rising domestic prices. Concurrently, export markets expanded to neighboring countries and the Persian Gulf region, further pulling product away from the local market. These factors combined to tighten domestic supply and elevate prices during this period.

In 2023, production edged up to 435.7 thousand tons, allowing the domestic market volume to increase to 254.6 thousand tons. This recovery indicated a degree of market stabilization following the previous years of export-driven tightening and weather-related supply challenges.

Production lettuce and chicory in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran maintained the 10th position globally in terms of lettuce and chicory production volume.

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

In 2020, Iran produced 438.3 K t of lettuce and chicory, representing a controlled increase of 3.3% compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 424.2 K t, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 445.6 K t. The most significant decline was observed in 2019, when production fell by 4.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Lettuce and chicory production in Iran declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 102.5 M $ US, marking a modest decrease of 6.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value dropped by 14.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 5.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 134.7 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 18.3% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 12.3%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Iran

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, lettuce and chicory exports from Iran declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 117.5 K t, showing a strong decrease of 10.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 28.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 8.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 131.5 K t, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 35.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (34.7% of exports in kind), Iraq (20.8% of exports in kind), and Russia (19.4% of exports in kind) were the largest buyers of lettuce and chicory from Iran, together accounting for 74.9% of total exports in kind.

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

Lettuce and chicory export volumes from Iran declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the export value reached 27 483 K $ US, representing a contraction of 19.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 11.8%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 3.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 37 444 K $ US, with the largest increase also occurring in that year at 52.3%.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (28.0% of exports in value terms), Iraq (25.8% of exports in value terms), and Russia (24.2% of exports in value terms) formed the core of Iran's lettuce and chicory exports, together accounting for 78.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Iran

Based on available market information, there were no imports of lettuce and chicory into Iran from 2017 to 2020.