Iran's market named promising for Russian lamb exports

Consumption of lamb is growing in Iran. In 2020–2022, due to increased domestic production, the country almost reached self-sufficiency in this type of MEAT. The annual production volume in 2022 reached a record 254.8 thousand tons. However, already in 2023, domestic lamb production decreased by 30.4% (to 177.3 thousand tons) due to drought.

Imports have increased as expected . According to Agroexport, Iran imported 30,000 tons of lamb in 2023, expanding the geography of supplies. RUSSIA has become the key supplier of this meat . Mongolia and Australia are also among the top three importers .

According to Iranian media reports, by June 2024 the number of sheep and rams in the country continues to decline, which opens up prospects for increasing supplies from Russian producers.

“The estimated volume of potential supplies of Russian lamb to Iran by 2030 is estimated at 15-20 thousand tons worth 60-80 million US dollars,” says another Agroexport review of the Iranian market.

The zero tariff rate and the proximity of the territory will contribute to the increase in supply volumes.