The Iranian Agriculture Ministry (MAJ) has implemented a temporary halt on exports of specific crops, aiming to stabilize domestic food prices. This measure, effective from February 24, involves apples, oranges, and various types of dates, as per a report by the semi-official ILNA agency. The MAJ's directive to Iran's Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) seeks to ensure "balance and stability" in the local market, especially with the approach of Ramadan on March 2 and the Iranian New Year in late March.
This export restriction follows a prior MAJ directive from February 17, which imposed a two-month export ban on potatoes, lentils, and beans. The potato export ban was initiated after Iran had to import the crop from Turkey and Pakistan to manage domestic price levels. Despite this, authorities expressed concerns about the impact on exporters, particularly regarding their market presence in countries like Iraq.
Iran's status as a major agricultural producer and exporter has been pivotal in the country's strategy to mitigate the effects of international sanctions on its oil exports. The current export bans are part of broader efforts to regulate domestic markets during key cultural and religious periods.
Source: PRESS TV