Iran exported 1.56 million tons of agricultural products worth $684 million since the beginning of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20) to May 20, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA).

This represents a significant increase of 28% in value compared to the same period last year, the report by IRICA added. 

The volume of exports has also grown, rising by 24% year-on-year. Last year, Iran exported 1.26 million tons of agricultural products valued at $536 million during this timeframe, the report said.

Fruits are a major driver of this growth. Apples, pistachios, watermelons, and tomatoes (both field-grown and greenhouse) are the top earners, bringing in millions of dollars each.

Overall, agricultural products now account for a larger share of Iran's total exports. They make up 6.66% of the total weight and a more significant 8.53% of the total value exported so far this year.

This positive trend builds on a successful previous year. Iran's exports of agricultural and food products increased by 22.5% in the Iranian calendar year ending March 19th, 2024. According to Ruhollah Latifi, spokesperson for a trade committee, Iranian producers exported $6.3 billion worth of these products in that period. Notably, agricultural and food exports made up 12.8% of Iran's total non-oil exports last year.  

Iraq remains the top destination for Iran's agricultural products, importing nearly $2 billion worth of goods in the previous year. This represents over 31% of Iran's total food and agricultural exports.