Iran is implementing a 60-day export ban on apples, oranges, and dates due to skyrocketing food prices and societal unrest before Ramadan. This decision, which may commence around February 24, 2025, is expected to significantly affect global apple markets and increase prices in various regions. Analysts suggest the ban could worsen Iran’s economic difficulties, exacerbating inflation and currency instability.
EastFruit reports that Iran is enacting a 60-day export ban on apples, oranges, and dates as a response to soaring food prices and social unrest ahead of Ramadan. Though some sources cite February 24, 2025, as the ban’s start date, shipments could still occur until recently. The ban is expected to officially commence with the onset of Ramadan, which could lead to significant market impacts.
Iran ranks among the top global exporters of apples, with yearly exports reaching up to 1 million tons in peak seasons. This ban will considerably affect the global apple supply, especially in key markets including India, where Iranian apples are vital. Hence, reduced apple shipments from Iran are anticipated to elevate prices in the Middle East and Central Asia, potentially influencing European and Turkish markets as well.
Furthermore, analysts from EastFruit argue that this government action reflects populist tendencies that could exacerbate Iran’s economic challenges. January 2025’s official inflation rate was reported at 31.8%, while real inflation might be significantly higher. The Iranian rial is experiencing instability, trading at approximately 930,000–950,000 IRR per dollar in the unofficial market, in stark contrast to the official rate of 42,000 IRR.
In summary, Iran’s ban on apple, orange, and date exports is a strategic response to rising food prices and societal pressures. This decision will likely inflate prices in regional and global markets, intensifying economic issues domestically as well. The instability in the Iranian rial coupled with high inflation presents further challenges for the country’s economy as exports are restricted.
Original Source: east-fruit.com
