Iran’s Fish Exports Neighbors at the Top of Target Markets

Iran’s fish export industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with neighboring and regional countries playing a pivotal role in this success. Iran’s unique geographical position, sharing borders with 15 countries, provides an unparalleled opportunity to supply the protein needs of regional markets with minimal transportation costs.

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Statistics and Figures; The Share of Neighbors in Iran’s Fish Exports

According to reports from the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, in the year 1403 (ending March 2025), 196,000 tons of various fishery products worth $372 million were exported, marking a 29% growth in weight and a 17% growth in value compared to the previous year.

The top three destinations for Iran’s fishery product exports are China, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, with the latter two being direct neighbors of Iran. Additionally, Russia, as another key northern neighbor, serves as a major market for Iran’s shrimp exports.

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A Look at Neighboring and Regional Markets

🇮🇶 Iraq; The Top Destination for Farmed Fish

Iraq, as one of the top three export destinations for Iran’s aquatic products, is a vital market for carp and farmed fish. Geographical proximity, shared cultural ties, and high demand in the Iraqi market for white protein have turned this country into a strategic partner for Iranian exporters.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates; A Transit and Distribution Hub

The UAE, in addition to being one of Iran’s top three fish export destinations, plays a key role as a transit and re-export hub for Iranian products to other countries worldwide. The UAE’s advanced port and logistics infrastructure has facilitated the access of Iranian fish to more distant markets.

🇷🇺 Russia; A Growing Market for Shrimp and Cold-Water Fish

Russia is one of the main destinations for Iran’s exported shrimp. Although statistics indicate that Iran’s fish and seafood exports to Russia in 2025 decreased by 20% in weight and 15% in value, reaching 16,000 tons worth $53 million, this market still holds significant potential for development. In the same year, aquatic trade between Russia and Middle Eastern countries grew by 22% in value, reaching $107 million.

🇨🇳 China; A Major Market Beyond the Neighborhood

Although China is not a direct neighbor of Iran, as the largest buyer of Iran’s fishery products, it plays an irreplaceable role in the country’s fish export industry. China’s high demand for frozen tuna has made it an unavoidable destination for Iranian exporters.

Key Export Products to Neighboring Markets

Tuna

Tuna caught in the southern waters of Iran, with its high quality and competitive pricing, accounts for the majority of exports to China and the UAE. This product is widely used in canning industries and frozen fillet production.

Carp

Carp is known as the most in-demand fish in the Iraqi market. Its reasonable price and high nutritional value have made it a popular choice for the dinner tables of neighboring nations.

Shrimp

Farmed Iranian shrimp is one of the most valuable export products, accounting for a significant portion of total export value. Russia, the UAE, and China are the most important target markets for Iranian shrimp.

Trout

Farmed Iranian trout, with its delicate taste and unique texture, is highly regarded in specialty markets in the region. In one season of 1403, over 3,000 tons of trout were exported from Iran.

Iran’s Competitive Advantages in Neighboring Markets

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Geographical Proximity and Reduced Costs

Proximity to target markets minimizes transportation costs and delivery times, ensuring product freshness.

Diverse Species Matching Regional Tastes

From warm-water fish in the south to cold-water species in the north, Iran’s export portfolio caters to the diverse tastes of neighboring markets.

Development of Cage Aquaculture

Significant investment in marine cage fish farming has created a sustainable and expandable production capacity to meet the growing needs of neighboring countries.

International Standards

Many Iranian processing units have successfully obtained reputable international certifications, which has built trust in regional markets.

Future Outlook; Targeting One Billion Dollars

Iran’s Fisheries Organization has outlined ambitious plans, aiming to achieve annual revenue of one billion dollars from aquatic exports by the end of 1404 (March 2026), with a production target of 2.6 million tons per year. In this regard, neighboring and regional countries will remain at the top of export priorities.

Conclusion

Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia, as three key neighbors of Iran, play a substantial role in the growth of the country’s fish exports. Geographical proximity, stable demand, and product diversity have positioned Iran as a reliable supplier for the regional protein markets. With the ongoing development of farming and processing infrastructure, the horizon for Iran’s fish exports to its neighbors looks brighter than ever.

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