Safflower seeds market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Iranian safflower seeds market saw a contraction, with production falling from 5 008 t to 4 701 t and total market volume declining from 5 162 t to 4 481 t. During this period, the Golrang Industrial Group listed two of its subsidiaries, Afagh Koorosh in 2018 and Padideh Shimi Gharn in 2019, on the Tehran Stock Exchange, drawing investor attention and capital to the sector. In 2020, the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad initiated a program to expand safflower cultivation across eight villages in Tabas county, promoting the crop for its drought tolerance and benefits in crop rotation, laying groundwork for future supply.

From 2021, production partially recovered to 4 889 t before stabilizing around 4 800 t, while the market size hovered near 4 700 t. The expansion of cultivation in arid regions continued, supported by the crop's resilience. Industrial focus shifted towards extracting safflower oil for its applications in food and pharmaceuticals. By 2022, the growth of local sorting and packaging companies improved product quality and marketability. Simultaneously, farmers' increased focus on exporting to European and Persian Gulf countries helped stabilize domestic market volume.

Production safflower seeds in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran ranked 14th globally in safflower seed production.

Top producers of safflower seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of safflower seeds, 2017-2020

Iran's safflower seed production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 701 tonnes, marking a gradual year-on-year decrease of 5.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.6%, which translates to an average annual increase of 4.4%. The peak was in 2018, with 5 008 tonnes, and that year also saw the largest rise at 21.1%.

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

Exports safflower seeds from Iran

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 124 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 302 tonnes, creating a 2.4-fold difference. In 2020, Iran's cross-border shipments of safflower seeds totaled 220 tonnes, down 27.0% from 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 144.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, India, and the United Arab Emirates were the top destinations for Iran's safflower seed exports by volume. Turkey accounted for 37.0% of exports, India for 28.1%, and the UAE for 7.9%, together making up 72.9% of total flows.

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 data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market. Export values fluctuated widely, with a low of 957 thousand US dollars in 2018 and a high of 4 162 thousand US dollars in 2019, a 4.3-fold gap. In 2020, Iran exported 1 712 thousand US dollars worth of safflower seeds, a 58.9% drop from 2019. The largest increase was in 2019, at 334.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, India, and Vietnam were the main destinations for Iran's safflower seed exports by value. Turkey held 47.1% of the share, India 24.2%, and Vietnam 6.6%, collectively representing 77.9% of total 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 safflower seeds to Iran

Imports in kind, t

Iran's imports of safflower seeds declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, imports reached 60 tonnes, a sharp 78.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2019 period, imports fell by 99.3%, with an average annual decline of 81.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and the Netherlands dominated Iran's safflower seed imports by volume, together accounting for 91.2% of the total, while other markets had minimal shares.

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

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Import values reached their highest point in 2017 and dropped to a low in 2018, with a 33-fold difference between these years. In 2019, Iran's safflower seed imports totaled 256 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 247.2% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 74 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that year at 97.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland and the Netherlands were the key sources for Iran's safflower seed imports by value, jointly making up 84.0% of total flows, with other partners contributing much less individually.

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

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