Since the start of 2025, Iran has imported more than 30,000 tons of cotton fiber from Tajikistan, accounting for over 83% of the country’s total foreign sales of this product. The value of these exports has reached $45.7 million.
Geography and Structure of Exports
Khurshed Zuhurzoda, First Deputy Director of the Tajikistan Export Agency, said Iran’s demand is driven by a shortage of raw materials for its domestic textile industry.
According to the Iranian Cotton Fund, the country’s annual cotton demand stands at around 180,000 tons, while domestic production meets only 70,000-80,000 tons. Geographic proximity and the high quality of Tajik fiber have made it one of Iran’s primary import sources.
From January to June 2025, Tajikistan exported 36,300 tons of cotton fiber worth $54.6 million to foreign markets. Of this, more than 30,900 tons, 83.61% in both value and volume, went to Iran. Other buyers included Russia ($4 million), Turkey ($1.97 million), Pakistan ($1.1 million), and China ($286,000).
The Khatlon region was the largest domestic supplier, providing $29.6 million worth of exports (54.22%), followed by Sughd with $25 million (45.78%). The average export price per ton was $1,506.
Negotiations on Expanding Cooperation
On July 30, during the 10th Consultation of the Ministers of Agriculture of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in China, Tajik Agriculture Minister Kurbon Hakimzoda met with Iranian Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri.
Talks covered topics ranging from cotton supplies to the introduction of smart farming systems. Priorities included food security, development of greenhouse complexes, fish farming, organic agriculture, digital technologies, internationally accredited laboratories, climate change adaptation, and joint projects for product processing and packaging.
Nouri emphasized that strengthening agricultural ties with neighboring countries is a strategic priority for Iran. Hakimzoda, in turn, noted “satisfactory progress” in implementing existing agreements.
Prospects: Moving from Raw Cotton to Value-Added Exports
Tajikistan forecasts raw cotton production to grow from 422,000 tons in 2026 to 437,000 tons in 2028. Cotton fiber output is projected at 150,000 tons, while yarn production will increase from 49,000 to 54,000 tons.
The government’s export strategy aims to gradually reduce unprocessed cotton exports, from 72,000 tons in 2026 to 56,000 tons in 2028, while boosting yarn exports from 14,000 to 18,000 tons.
Agricultural expert Bakhodur Khaito said this shift could alter trade arrangements with Iran.
“With a reduction in direct fiber supplies, Dushanbe could offer Tehran more yarn, develop joint ventures, localize processing, and promote finished products to third markets,” he noted.
