Turkey Biggest Tobacco Exporter to Iran

Turkey, with more than $42.35 million, was the biggest exporter of tobacco to Iran during the 11 months to Feb. 19. According to the latest figures released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, a total of about 16,100 tons of tobacco worth nearly 3.4 billion rials (around $118 million) were imported by Iran during the period. Following Turkey, Jordan, Germany, the UAE, Brazil, Zimbabwe, France, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, Indonesia, Bulgaria and Russia were other major exporters to Iran, Mizan Online reported. “Around 20% of Iran’s demand for tobacco are domestically produced,” the head of Tobacco Planning and Supervision Center. “Plans have been made to increase land under tobacco cultivation by 500% to achieve self-sufficiency,” Ali Asghar Ramzi was also quoted as saying by IRNA last year. The official noted that imported tobacco is 30-40% more expensive than the local product. According to Hosseinali Qavanlou, the head of Golestan Industries, Mines and Trade Organization, nearly 65% of Iran’s tobacco (over 5,000 tons) are cultivated in northern Iran.