Iran's annual shrimp production beginning March 21 is forecast to hit 30,000 metric tons, according to Ali Akbar Khodaei, secretary general of Iran's fisheries union, reports Mehr News Agency.
On the back of higher production, exports are expected to climb to 21,000t. Last year, total production amounted to 21,000t, said Khodaei, with around 14,000t going for export, said Khodaei.
Sales of fisheries products to Russia have started at a slow pace but in line with the norm, he said. “Iran’s ties with the Eurasian country become closer every year,” underlined Khodaei.
He said major export destinations for the Iranian shrimp include Southeast Asian countries, particularly Vietnam, China, Arabic neighbors -- especially the United Arab Emirates -- EU countries and Russia.
Iran's shrimp harvest will kick off in June in Hormozgan Province, in the country's south.