Iran Agro-Food Exports to Iraq | Logistics & Secure Export Growth

In recent years, Iran’s foreign trade has undergone a significant digital transformation with the emergence of online B2B platforms. These systems have created a new environment for direct interaction between domestic producers and foreign buyers. The Abrisham Road International Platform — the first comprehensive B2B platform in Iran — has played a major role in facilitating and expanding the export of Iranian goods, particularly agricultural and food products, to neighboring markets such as Iraq.

Due to geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and high dependence on imported goods, Iraq is one of the primary destinations for Iran’s non-oil exports. A considerable portion of these exports consists of agricultural and food commodities, which remain in high and stable demand in Iraqi markets.

1. Position of Iran’s Agricultural and Food Exports in the Iraqi Market

Iran is among the leading suppliers of food and agricultural products to Iraq. Iranian goods have a competitive advantage in price, freshness, taste, and logistics compared to other regional exporters.

According to official data, the total value of Iran’s agricultural and food exports reached USD 6.3 billion in 2023, with about 30% of this volume exported to Iraq. The total export weight exceeded 8.8 million tons, showing a 22% growth versus the previous year.

2. Major Iranian Agricultural and Food Products Exported to Iraq

Fresh Agricultural Products

Iran supplies a large share of Iraq’s demand for fresh fruits and vegetables:

• Fruits:apples, watermelons, melons, pomegranates, dates, grapes
• Vegetables:potatoes, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, bell peppers
• Greenhouse products:cherrytomatoes, lettuce, cabbage

Nuts and Grains

Key items include:

• pistachios, raisins, almonds, walnuts, dried dates, saffron
• beans, lentils, mung beans, and Iranian rice

Processed and Packaged Food Products

Major processed exports are:

• dairy products (milk powder, cheese, yogurt, butter)
• canned goods (tomato paste, canned fish, vegetables)
• confectionery (biscuits, cakes, chocolates)
• beverages (soft drinks, malt beverages, juices) and cooking oils

Specialty and Herbal Products

Saffron, honey, cumin, mint, pennyroyal, and rose petals are important niche exports from Iran to Iraq.

3. Introduction to the Abrisham Road International Platform

The Abrisham Road International Platform is the first Iranian B2B marketplace specialized in international trade and export services. It provides a multilingual digital infrastructure (Persian, English, and Arabic) that enables Iranian producers and exporters to connect directly with verified buyers — especially from Iraq and other regional markets.

4. The Platform’s Role in Exporting Agro‑Food Products to Iraq

a) Direct Connection Between Producers and Buyers

By eliminating intermediaries, the platform enables direct business communication between Iranian suppliers and Iraqi importers, reducing costs and improving transparency. Buyers can view verified profiles, certifications, and pricing before initiating trade.

b) RFQ (Request for Quotation) Management

The platform features an advanced RFQ system: Iraqi buyers submit product specifications, quantities, packaging, delivery terms (CIF, FOB, etc.), and timelines. The system matches requests with qualified Iranian exporters.

c) Multilingual Product Presentation

Through Arabic and English interfaces, the platform professionally showcases Iranian products with detailed specifications, images, certifications (HACCP, Halal, ISO), and export conditions.

d) Logistics and Transportation Support

The platform cooperates with logistics providers operating at border points (Mehran, Shalamcheh, Parvizkhan, Bashmaq) to offer export advisory and real‑time tracking. Exporters can monitor shipment status and select preferred Incoterms (CIF / FOB / FCA).

e) Secure Financial Transactions

To ensure payment safety, the platform provides a standard export payment structure: 30% advance payment and balance upon delivery (CIF). This policy builds trust and reduces cross‑border payment risks.

f) Digital Marketing and SEO for Export Growth

Professional SEO optimization and multilingual marketing increase the online visibility of Iranian food and agricultural products in Iraqi search markets. As a result, many new Iraqi buyers find Iranian suppliers directly through search engines.

5. Platform Performance Statistics (2023)

6. Achievements and Key Benefits

• Over 1,200 verified trade connections established between Iranian companies and Iraqi buyers in 2023.
• Facilitated exports worth approximately USD 1.8 billion through RFQs and registered trade deals.
• Strengthened Iran’s national brand presence in the Iraqi food market via multilingual digital marketing.
• Improved trust and transparency through secure payment systems and verified exporter profiles.

Conclusion

The Abrisham Road International Platform, as Iran’s pioneering B2B export system, has played a transformative role in digitalizing Iran’s export processes. By offering comprehensive services — including multilingual product listings, RFQ management, logistics tracking, and secure payment systems — it has built a reliable trade bridge between Iranian producers and Iraqi buyers.

As Iraq’s demand for high-quality food and agricultural products continues to rise, the Abrisham Road International Platform is expected to further strengthen Iran’s position in the Iraqi market and expand its contribution to non-oil exports in the coming years.