According to trade sources from EastFruit, Iran has implemented a 60-day export ban on apples, oranges, and dates due to rising food prices and public discontent ahead of Ramadan. Sources indicate the ban began on February 24, 2025, though shipments continued until recently. The halt is expected to start with Ramadan.
Iran ranks among the top apple exporters globally, with exports reaching up to 1 million tons in some seasons. This decision will impact the global market, affecting key importers such as India. Iran plays a role in setting apple prices in markets like the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, influencing prices in Europe and Turkey. The Ukrainian market may see further price increases from March to June.
EastFruit analysts suggest the Iranian export ban is a populist move, worsening economic issues. Official inflation in Iran was 31.8% year-on-year in January 2025, though economists estimate it to be higher. The Iranian rial's unofficial exchange rate dropped to approximately 930,000–950,000 IRR per US dollar in February 2025, contrasting with the official rate of 42,000 IRR per dollar for essential goods. The ban could reduce foreign exchange earnings, worsening exchange rates, and inflation challenges.
Source: EastFruit