Iran bans apple, orange, and date exports to curb rising food prices ahead of Ramadan

IRAN – Iran has banned the export of apples, oranges, and dates for 60 days in response to rising food prices that have caused widespread concern among citizens ahead of Ramadan.

Trade sources indicate that while some shipments were still moving as of yesterday, exports are expected to stop completely starting today.

This decision will have a major impact on the global apple market, as Iran is one of the world’s top apple exporters, shipping up to 1 million tons in peak seasons.

“Iranian apples hold key positions in one of the world’s main apple import markets – India,” trade analysts noted. The export restriction is expected to push apple prices even higher in key markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.

Iran’s apple exports play a critical role in shaping prices in countries like India, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. “The reduction in apple supply from Iran will support already high apple prices in these regions,” EastFruit analysts explained.

The price surge may also be felt in Europe and Turkey, with potential increases in Ukraine as well, where record-high apple prices could climb further between March and June.

Besides apples, the restriction on oranges and dates is expected to create a ripple effect in various international markets, affecting supply chains and increasing costs for consumers.

The Iranian government’s decision to halt exports comes amid deep economic struggles. Official inflation was estimated at 31.8% year-on-year in January 2025, but independent economists suggest real inflation could be nearly double that figure.

The Iranian rial continues to lose value, with the unofficial exchange rate reaching 930,000–950,000 IRR per US dollar, marking a 14% decline in just a month.

“This decision by the Iranian authorities is populist and will only exacerbate the country’s economic problems,” EastFruit analysts noted. Cutting off fruit exports will reduce foreign exchange earnings, further straining Iran’s financial situation.

Previous restrictions on apple exports

This is not the first time Iran has imposed restrictions on apple exports. In March 2024, the government introduced a 35% export duty on apples for three months to address high domestic prices and potential shortages.

Ahmad Khani Nozari, Deputy Minister of Commercial Development, stated, “The duty will be pegged at 35% of the export value and will remain active until the conclusion of the 2023 apple harvest season.”

While the tax was intended to stabilize local markets, it discouraged exports. Industry experts warned that Iranian apple producers, who operate on slim profit margins, would struggle under the added cost.

The tax also reduced export volumes, leaving an opening for other suppliers, such as Moldova and Ukraine, to expand their presence in the global apple market.

Last year, Iran’s primary apple export destinations included Iraq, India, Pakistan, and the UAE. Exports to Uzbekistan surged, increasing nearly 37 times compared to the previous season.

With Iran now restricting apple exports further, countries like Ukraine and Moldova may find fresh opportunities to supply Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets.

As the global fruit market reacts to Iran’s latest move, traders and importers will have to adapt to supply shifts and potential price fluctuations in the coming months.

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