Tehran – Iran has officially resumed chickpea exports after nearly a year, with industry officials expressing confidence that strong production could drive exports to a record high in 2026.

 

Nasser Moradi, head of the National Chickpea Council, said a directive issued by the Trade Promotion Organization has authorized exports through all customs offices nationwide, allowing traders to resume shipments immediately after the year-long suspension.

 

The export ban has left the country with ample inventories, enabling exporters to quickly re-enter international markets, Moradi said.

 

Iran exported 97,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2023 and 86,000 metric tons in 2024. With favorable cultivation conditions and a strong harvest this year, officials expect exports to surpass previous levels.

 

Moradi acknowledged that export growth will depend on global market conditions, including prices and competition from major producers such as Russia, India, Australia, and Mexico.

 

He also stressed the importance of rebuilding markets lost during the export suspension while expanding into new destinations.

 

He described chickpeas as a strategic crop for Iran's water-scarce climate, noting their low water requirements, role in crop rotation with cereals, and economic value for rain-fed farming systems.