According to the IRNA report, which cited the data released by Iran Feed Grain Importers’ Union, 6.95 million tons of corn worth $1.7 billion were imported during the period, indicating no change in weight but a 6% rise in value year-on-year, Financial Tribune reported.
Iran imported over 3.03 million tons of barley worth $772.58 million during the 10-month period, which registered a 42% and 61% growth in weight and value compared with the corresponding period of the year before.
Imports of soybean meal stood at 1.81 million tons worth $793.1 million. The figure shows a year-on-year increase of 66% and 61% in weight and value, respectively.
Iran’s nominal capacity for animal feed production currently stands at 23 million tons per year, only half of which is being utilized, according to the chairman of Iran Feed Industry Association.
“Last [fiscal] year [March 2018-19], feed industry factories' total sales hit 180 trillion rials [$1.34 billion]. Imports of the industry’s raw materials over the same period stood at 140 trillion rials [$1.04 billion],” Majid Movafeq Qadirli said in an address to a forum held to survey the industry’s performance, shortcomings and opportunities in Tehran earlier this month.
Mehdi Sadeqi Niyaraki, an Industries Ministry official, was also present at the meeting.
According to Niyaraki, Iran earns $80-100 million from animal feed exports per year, the news portal of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.