Financial Tribune

A total of 132.75 tons of saffron were exported from Iran during the first eight months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Nov. 21).

The volume of exports show a 13% decline compared with the similar period of last year, according to the deputy head of Iran National Saffron Council.

“At present, each kilogram of Iranian saffron is sold at between $500-800 in foreign markets,” Gholamreza Miri was also quoted as saying by Young Journalists Club.

It is estimated that exports during the eight months were valued at $86 million.

“Iran exports saffron to 10 countries and 86% of its exports are through the UAE,” the head of Iran's National Council of Saffron, Mohsen Ehtesham, was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency.

Spain, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Italy, Afghanistan, Qatar, India, Germany and France are other export destinations for Iran's saffron.

Saffron exports hit 280 tons worth $351 million in the last fiscal year (March 2018-19).

A total of 404 tons of the precious spice were produced from 113,000 hectares in Iran last year.