BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. Iran's watermelon exports increased by 33 percent in value and 28 percent in volume, over the last Iranian year (March 21, 2021 through March 20, 2022), compared to the preceding Iranian year (March 20, 2020 through March 20, 2021), the Spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) Rouhollah Latifi said, Trend reports citing the administration.
The customs official said that Iran exported a total of 902,000 tons of watermelons worth $209 million to 43 countries within last Iranian year.
Latifi stressed that last year, Iran exported the most watermelons to Iraq, amounting to $465,000 worth $95 million.
"In addition, Iran exported 233,000 tons worth $53 million to the UAE, 39,000 tons worth $17.4 million to Oman, 28,000 tons worth $14 million to Russia, 55,000 tons worth $11 million to Turkey, as well as 32,000 tons worth $6.4 million to Afghanistan, 30,000 tons worth $6 million to Qatar for the last Iranian year," he added.
The spokesman noted that Iran is currently exporting agricultural products to Turkey by about 400 trucks. About 100 trucks are carrying watermelons.
"Although Iranian watermelon exports to Turkey are currently increasing, the exports will soon decrease with the start of the local harvesting season in Turkey and the resumption of reduced tariffs on watermelon exports," Latifi said.
Reportedly, in recent days, it was claimed that 700 containers of watermelons were exported daily from Iran.
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