Iran's pistachio exports jumped 80 percent in 2024 to reach $636 million, according to new data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported by Tasnim on Saturday. The figure stood at approximately $353 million in the previous year, with export volume rising from 61,000 tons in 2023 to 98,000 tons in 2024.Iran ranked as the world's second-largest pistachio exporter in 2024 after the United States, which exported $2.5 billion worth of pistachios during the same period. US exports registered only a five percent increase, while Iran's 80 percent export surge narrowed the gap between the two countries in the market. Turkey placed third globally with $444 million in pistachio exports, reflecting a 40 percent year-on-year increase.Experts identified several key factors behind Iran's export jump. First, relatively improved production following years of water shortages and supply fluctuations enabled higher export volumes. Second, rising exchange rates, while creating costs for the domestic economy, provided Iranian exporters with price competitiveness in global markets. Third, Iran's gradual return to traditional markets in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe — markets partially lost in previous years due to trade and logistical constraints or intense U.S. competition — contributed to the growth. Additionally, shifting global consumption patterns and rising demand for naturally sourced dried fruits have benefited traditional producers such as Iran.Output figuresIran's pistachio production rose 4 percent in 2024 to 316,000 tons, up from 303,000 tons the previous year, according to Contemporary Economics. Despite the production increase, Iran ranked as the world's third-largest pistachio producer in 2024. Turkey, traditionally the third producer, increased its output by 117 percent to 383,000 tons, overtaking Iran to claim second place globally. The United States maintained its position as the top producer despite a 26 percent decline in output, with production totaling 498,000 tons in 2024.Iran held the position of world's leading pistachio producer until around 2010, after which it gradually ceded the top spot to the United States. In 2018, Iran fell to third place for the first time, losing its second-place ranking to Turkey — a position it briefly regained before surrendering it again to Turkey in 2024 after a four-year interval. Syria and China ranked as the fourth and fifth largest producers in 2024 with outputs of 83,000 tons and 78,000 tons, respectively.Pistachios represent one of Iran's most important non-oil export commodities, playing a significant role in employment generation and foreign currency earnings. Kerman, Yazd, Semnan, South Khorasan, and Qom provinces serve as the country's main pistachio production hubs. Despite challenges including drought, water limitations, and certain trade barriers, Iran maintains a considerable share of the global pistachio market through annual production of hundreds of thousands of tons. Strategies currently under implementation to preserve and enhance this position include productivity improvements, development of modern orchards, and greater focus on processing and packaging. With global demand for healthy dried fruits continuing to grow, Iran is expected to potentially increase its market share in coming years through appropriate planning and removal of production constraints. (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: IRAN DAILY