Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Iran's Fishery Exports Surge 17% to $372 Million Amid Aquaculture Expansion

IRAN
Monday, April 21, 2025, 01:00 (GMT + 9)

Strong demand from China, Iraq, and UAE fuels significant growth in volume and value, with ambitious targets set for the coming year.

Iran's fishery sector demonstrated robust growth in the Iranian year 1403 (ended March 19, 2025), with exports reaching 196,000 metric tons valued at $372 million, according to a report from the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA).

Arezou Ghanion, Deputy Director of IRICA's Statistics and Data Processing Office, highlighted the significant year-on-year increase, with fishery exports growing by an impressive 29 percent in volume and 17 percent in value compared to the preceding year.

The primary drivers of this export success were shrimp, tuna, and carp, which together constituted a substantial 64 percent of the total export volume and 65 percent of the overall export value within the fishery category.

Notably, China, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as the top three destinations for Iranian fishery products during the reported year, underscoring the strong international demand for Iran's seafood.

Iran's fishery industry has experienced considerable expansion in recent years, firmly establishing the nation as a significant player in the global aquaculture landscape. This growth has been underpinned by a strategic diversification of its product offerings, with shrimp, tuna, and carp leading the export charge. Shrimp exports, in particular, accounted for a substantial portion of the total export value, with the aforementioned trio of nations serving as key markets.

This diversification and overall growth have been facilitated by targeted investments in aquaculture infrastructure and the adoption of modern technologies. The Iran Fisheries Organization (IFO) has actively implemented reforms aimed at enhancing production capabilities, including the provision of low-interest loans to support fisheries and the expansion of fish farming operations across the country.

Looking ahead, Iran has set ambitious goals to further elevate its fishery exports, aiming for an annual revenue of $1.0 billion by the Iranian year 1404 (March 2025–March 2026). This target is supported by strategic plans to significantly increase total fishery production to 2.6 million metric tons, a substantial leap from the 1.5 million metric tons recorded in the previous year. The continued expansion of fish farming activities, including the development of additional cage aquaculture and the implementation of advanced breeding techniques, is expected to be instrumental in achieving these ambitious targets.

In conclusion, Iran's fishery industry has showcased remarkable resilience and a strong growth trajectory, marked by increasing export values and volumes. With sustained investment, strategic planning, and a focus on expanding aquaculture capabilities, the sector is well-positioned to exert an even greater influence on the global aquaculture market in the years to come.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print