In the first three quarters of 2022, Iran exported 95 million euros of pistachios to the European Union. According to Eurostat, the figure is down 39% compared to the same period last year when Iran exported 154 million euros worth of pistachios to the EU countries. Germany, Spain and Italy were the top importers of Iranian pistachios and Iran accounted for 10% of the total European pistachio imports during the period. The United States was the biggest exporter of pistachio nuts to the European Union.
EU countries imported 930 million euros of pistachios in the first three quarters of the year. US exports of the popular nibble rose 19% to 529 million euros against the same period last year, Eurostat said.
China has emerged as the biggest customer, accounting for 50% of Iran’s pistachio nut sales amid the sanctions.
As the world’s largest producer of pistachio nuts for decades, Iran has seen its production of the delicacy fall over the years due to a combination of factors, most importantly a protracted drought and economic sanctions. California has traded the title of world’s top pistachio producer with Iran for many years. The most populous US state is home to 99% of US pistachio orchards.
Source: presstv.ir