Base Export Prices of Agricultural Products Must Be Adjusted
According to Donya‑e‑Eghtesad (The World of Economy) and the official website of Ali‑Mohammad Shariati‑Moghaddam, the failure to update the base export prices of agricultural products has led to market disruptions, increased smuggling, and damage to Iran’s export reputation.
Shariati‑Moghaddam, who delivered the only pre‑agenda speech at the 23rd Session of the Board of Representatives of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, attended by Sourena Sattari, Vice‑President for Science and Technology, highlighted that over the past three to four years, despite significant fluctuations in the exchange rate, the official base prices for agricultural exports have not been revised.
He noted that although relevant authorities, including the Central Bank, have repeatedly promised to update these rates, none of those commitments have materialized.
“As a result,” he said, “the mismatch between actual market conditions and outdated export base prices has encouraged smuggling and illegal trade practices, ultimately harming Iran’s legitimate exporters and agricultural economy.”
Shariati‑Moghaddam further criticized the misapplication of certain exemptions, such as those related to virtual water tariffs, explaining that low‑water‑demand crops like saffron and medicinal herbs are unjustly subjected to charges meant for water‑intensive agricultural products.
“These exemptions,” he argued, “must be applied exclusively to products that are truly water‑intensive, otherwise they unfairly penalize efficient and sustainable exporters.”
He concluded that achieving meaningful reform requires a targeted and knowledge‑based policy approach: only through accurate adjustment of export base prices and rational application of water‑use regulations can the agricultural export sector achieve transparency, competitiveness, and long‑term stability.
Original Title: Base Export Prices of Agricultural Products Must Be Adjusted
Source: Donya‑e‑Eghtesad (The World of Economy)
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Original Link: https://news.mccima.com/1407/
