Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 19
By Rahim Zamanov - Trend:
Iran has started exporting saffron to the United States after 4 years, Iran's ISNA News Agency reported on January 19.
Based on Iran Customs Administration's latest report, the country exported 85,476 kilograms of saffron worth over $125.59 million in the first three quarters of the current Iranian calendar year (which started on March 21).
Iran exports saffron to over 30 countries including Russia, Germany, Switzerland, England, France, Spain, Canada, Turkey, Belgium, Scotland, Sweden, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Estonia, Bahrain, Philippines, Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa, Qatar, Japan, Kuwait, India, China, and Saudi Arabia.
Iranian IRNA News Agency reported in October that the country's Customs Administration has removed duty on saffron exports.
"Exports of saffron at any volume and amount will be free from duties," said in a statement.
The secretary of the National Iranian Saffron Council, Farshid Manouchehri, said in May that Iran's saffron exports will increase by 15 percent in the current Iranian calendar year.
Manouchehri added that Iran exported 126 tons of saffron, valued at $384 million, to different countries in the past Iranian calendar year.
The volume of saffron exports is anticipated to reach about 140 tons in the current year, he added.