Iran imported about 696,000 tons of rice worth $963 million as of August 22 in the financial year 2017-18 (March 21, 2017-March 20, 2018), according to The Financial Tribune. Imports increased about 79% y/y in terms of tonnage and doubled in terms of earnings.

India remained the top rice exporter to Iran follewed by Pakistan, the UAE, Thailand, Turkey and Iraq. 

Iran usually bans rice imports during the harvest season to protect local farmers. This year, the ban was effective from August. “The ongoing seasonal ban on rice imports will be in effect until November 21,” said the Deputy Agriculture Minister. Importers who put up orders before the ban can collect the consignments during the ban period.

Separately the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reports that Pakistan is keen on increasing rice exports to Iran. The president of Pakistan's Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry told IRNA reporters that Pakistan rice is better than the Indian rice and stressed that they are seeking higher share for Pakistani rice in Iran.

He urged the Iran government to reduce tariffs on rice imports. He also noted that a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Iran and Pakistan is being pursued, adding that talks are underway with officials to include Pakistani rice in the list of PTA items.

Source: Oryza