Iran boosts wheat imports amid decline in domestic production

Iran’s wheat imports — over 0.655 million tons valued at around $246 million. The UAE, a major re-export hub in the Persian Gulf, supplied more than 0.282 million tons worth over $106 million, while Turkey provided 0.188 million tons valued at about $72 million. The need for additional imports is due to a sharp decline in domestic output: wheat production during the April–August harvest season fell by 5 million tons, or 31%, to roughly 11 million tons compared to the previous year. Government purchases of locally produced wheat also dropped by 4.4 million tons, or 36%, to 7.6 million tons. Imports from Russia, the UAE, and Turkey help Iran stabilize domestic supplies and ensure food security amid declining local production. The government is expected to continue its active import policy to cover the wheat deficit and support the local food-processing industry. For almost 30 years of expertise in the agri markets, UkrAgroConsult has accumulated an extensive database, which ...