Monthly exports of Iranian shelled pistachios reached 20,000 tons in the 6th month of the 2024/25 season (February 19-March 20), up 43% year-on-year, according to recently released statistics from the Iranian Pistachio Association (IPA). The main export destinations were re-export markets (Turkey and the UAE), followed by the CIS countries, the Middle East and the South Asian subcontinent.

Cumulative exports of Iranian shelled pistachios since the start of the 2024/25 season have reached 144,000 tons, surging 76% y/y. The current “export volume/early season inventory ratio” of 63% reflects a much stronger export performance this season than ever before (the ratio for the same period in the last two seasons was below 45%). The association cites the price competitiveness of Iranian pistachios, combined with tight supply from other sources, as the main reasons for this result. The association said pistachio prices continued to rise in March, with supply improving slightly after a brief recovery in the Iranian currency's exchange rate. It should be noted, however, that some of the exports in the sixth month of the season were orders contracted before the Iranian New Year holiday (a 40-day moratorium), and practitioners need to allow time to assess the risk of potential frost damage.

According to the association, although the price difference between Iranian and California pistachios still exists, the gap is gradually narrowing and is expected to narrow further in the coming months. Demand in the Far East market has been subdued since November, but Chinese purchasing demand picked up in February, mainly due to an increase in tariffs on US pistachios, which stimulated purchasing intentions. Demand in the CIS market remained strong in March, with recent weekly purchases nearly doubling, but exporters are under supply pressure. Demand for Iranian pistachio kernels has been strong globally, with the share of exports climbing to 43% of the total in-shell (vs. 37% in the four-year period) due to superior quality, favorable pricing, and lack of production capacity in other countries, with Europe, the Middle East, and India being the main consumers of Iranian pistachio kernels, although demand from other markets has also grown significantly. exports of GPPK Green Peeled Pistachio Kernel Monthly shipments picked up to 450 tons, mainly due to the Iranian government's prudent easing of export restrictions to the EU. Stocks of shelled pistachios at the end of the 6th month of the season are estimated at 65,000 tons.2025/26 season warning: sporadic frost and heat stress damage in some of Iran's production areas has not yet posed a significant threat to production in 2025.2024/25 season Iranian pistachio supply and demand table (in tons)

     Item Quantity
Carry-over stocks from previous season 30,000
Total production 200,000
Total stocks 230,000
Domestic consumption 21,000
Export shipments 121,000
Export adjustments/losses 23,000
Total consumption 165,000
Closing stock 65,000