Iran's pistachio exports increase by over 60%! Demand in the Chinese market is sluggish.

According to statistics from the Iranian Pistachio Association (IPA), during the ninth month (May 22 to June 21) of the 2024/25 production season, Iran exported nearly 8,000 tons of pistachios. The demand for shelled pistachio kernels remains strong, with exports (in shell) accounting for about 60% of the total exports. The export of in-shell pistachios is supported by increased supply and price advantages, with over two-thirds being sold to the CIS market, while demand is weak in China, India, and most parts of the Middle East.

The demand for Iranian green, peeled pistachio kernels remains robust, with exports reaching 2,500 tons since the beginning of the season, more than double the average of the past six seasons. This significant growth is mainly due to two factors: the first is the increased production of early-harvested, unripe pistachios in 2024, which are more competitively priced; the second is the sustained growth in demand for peeled pistachio kernels in non-EU markets, particularly in the Middle East and China, highlighting the rising global demand for Iranian green, peeled pistachio kernels.

Since the beginning of the season, Iran has exported 171,000 tons of pistachios (in shell), a 63% increase year-on-year. The ratio of exports to initial inventory stands at 74%, indicating that the Iranian pistachio industry is experiencing an exceptionally strong sales season. The IPA believes that the price advantage of Iranian pistachios, limited supply from other regions, and the rapid growth in global food industry consumption of Iranian pistachio kernels are the main reasons for this achievement.

Although exports were somewhat affected by a 12-day war in mid-June, the short-term surge in the exchange rate stimulated export growth. Although port operations were temporarily halted after the U.S. attack, they resumed quickly; banks and logistics remained largely operational, and export business proceeded as normally as possible.

Demand for Iranian pistachio kernels remains strong. Although the Iranian market for in-shell pistachios may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility of the Iranian rial, significant price fluctuations are not expected before the new season arrives. As this season draws to a close, the global market for in-shell pistachios remains calm, characterized mainly by limited supply, which is related to the delivery of large contracts at the beginning of the season, while production forecasts for both the U.S. and Iran in 2025 are expected to be high.

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