According to the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture’s Office of Quality Improvement, Processing, and Aquatic Market, the country’s fishery exports reached a record high during the first quarter of the current Iranian calendar year, spanning from March 20 to June 20.

Boost in Export Value and Volume

The value of Iran’s fishery exports increased by over 30 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching USD 121.4 million. The export volume also saw a significant rise, with 73,369 tons of fishery products being shipped out of the country. This represents a more than 40 percent increase in weight year-on-year.

Among the products exported, shrimp played a crucial role, accounting for 32 percent of the total fishery export value at USD 98.5 million. The top markets for Iranian shrimp included Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and China. Although there was a notable decrease of 26 percent in value compared to the previous year, Iran’s shrimp exports remain an important contributor to the country’s overall fishery exports.

Iran’s Growing Presence in the Global Fishery Market

Fishery exports account for less than 70 percent of Iran’s total exports, with the UAE, China, Russia, and Iraq identified as the largest markets for Iranian fishery products. In addition to exports, Iran also imported a significant amount of fishery products last year, with 24,000 metric tons valued at USD 72 million being brought into the country. This represents a dramatic increase of 121 percent in weight and 113 percent in value compared to the previous year.