Oranges market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Iranian orange market saw shifts driven by both production trends and consumer sentiment. In 2018, production was supported by significant cultivation areas in provinces like Sistan and Baluchestan. The following year, growing demand for innovative citrus flavors and orange peel extracts in the food, beverage, and cosmetics industries provided new outlets for oranges. However, in 2020, widespread rumors about the toxicity and artificial coloring of Iranian oranges severely damaged consumer confidence, leading to a drop in market volume to 2 064 thousand tons and a sharp decline in market value to $726 million.

Market conditions began to stabilize and recover from 2021 onward. Despite lingering disputes over fruit quality and harvesting times, the market volume grew slightly in 2021. By 2022, a reported 20-25% increase in citrus production and government policies restricting orange imports helped boost domestic market volume to a peak of 2 173 thousand tons. Iran also solidified its position as one of the world's top orange producers during this period.

In 2023, high inflation and economic fluctuations altered consumer purchasing power and behavior, resulting in a decrease in orange consumption to 2 113 thousand tons. However, rising prices driven by these economic factors pushed the market's value up significantly to $902 million. Climatic conditions and evolving consumer preferences further shaped the market's dynamics in the final year of the period.

Production oranges in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran ranked 9th globally in orange production.

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

Iran's orange production saw a two-year improvement before declining. In 2020, production reached 2 226 thousand tonnes, marking a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 26.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 309 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 24.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Iran's orange production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 783 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 21.1% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 11.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 153 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 30.8%.

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

Exports oranges from Iran

Exports in kind, K t

Iran's orange exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 161.7 thousand tonnes, showing a robust 18.3% gain compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 868.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 113.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Russia, and Azerbaijan were the main buyers of Iranian oranges by volume. Iraq accounted for 70.0% of exports, Russia for 9.0%, and Azerbaijan for 6.9%. Together, these three countries represented 85.8% of Iran's total orange 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

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. From 2017 to 2019, the value of exports varied significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 7 times. In 2020, the value of orange exports from Iran reached 56 881 thousand US dollars, representing a gradual 3.1% decrease year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 58 724 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 263.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Iraq, Russia, and Azerbaijan formed the key group of partners for Iran's orange exports by value. Iraq accounted for 63.9% of export value, Russia for 11.5%, and Azerbaijan for 8.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 83.8% of Iran's total orange export flows in value terms.

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

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

Imports oranges to Iran

Imports in kind, K t

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Egypt clearly led the ranking for imports of oranges into Iran by volume, together accounting for 100.0% of total import 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, K $ US

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey and Egypt remained the main sources for Iran's orange imports by value, jointly accounting for 100.0% 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