Iran and the USA have had strained commercial relations for years due to political tensions and sanctions, both in exports and imports. However, Tari Trading is here to tell you that Buying & importing from Iran to the USA is surprisingly simple and straightforward. The products we’re primarily discussing are nuts and dried fruits like Pistachios, Raisins, and Dates, but we aim to cover other products as well since many processes overlap.
Let’s explore which Iranian products the US imports the most:
Which types of nuts does the US primarily import from Iran?
The US is a major exporter of nuts globally, but to diversify its market and cater to diverse palates, it often imports nuts like Iranian pistachios (especially varieties like Akbari pistachio, known for their super-long and Kale Gouchi or jumbo pistachio ), walnuts, and almonds.
Which types of dried fruits does the US primarily import from Iran?
Among the dried fruits the US is keen to import from Iran are raisins like Sultana, black currants, dates like Mazafati and Piarom, and other products like figs, mulberries, and dried apricots.
What is the volume of nut and dried fruit imports from Iran to the US?
The US imported approximately $360 million worth of nuts and dried fruits in 2023. Due to international sanctions, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact amount sourced from Iran. These exports often go through third countries like the UAE or Oman before reaching the US, making it challenging to isolate Iran’s contribution in official statistics. However, a conservative estimate would place Iran’s share between 2% and 1%, equating to $3.6 million to $7.2 million.
Best US States for Nut and Dried Fruit Trade, Import, and Export
When importing goods from Iran, selecting the most suitable US port can significantly impact transportation costs, transit time, and overall efficiency. Below are some of the primary entry points for Iranian nuts and dried fruits into the US market.
California: Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Overview: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are crucial for goods imported from Asia, including the Middle East.
Advantages: With robust infrastructure, these ports offer excellent connectivity to distribution centers throughout the Western US, making them a strategic choice for companies seeking nationwide product distribution.
Considerations: Both ports are high-traffic areas, which can lead to congestion, especially during peak seasons. Importers should factor in timing and inventory planning to avoid delays.
Texas: Port of Houston
Overview: Houston is a major port and logistics hub, well-equipped to handle a wide range of goods, including nuts and dried fruits.
Advantages: With extensive warehousing and distribution networks, Houston serves as an efficient entry point for products destined for the Midwest, South, and Central US regions.
Considerations: The Port of Houston offers excellent infrastructure for processing imports, although seasonal weather events like hurricanes can occasionally impact logistics. Ensuring that transportation plans allow for potential weather delays can be beneficial for long-term planning.
New York: Port of New York and New Jersey
Overview: As one of the largest ports on the East Coast, the Port of New York and New Jersey handles a significant volume of imports and has strong international connectivity.
Advantages: This port provides direct access to the densely populated Northeastern US, making it a prime option for importers seeking to quickly supply East Coast markets.
Considerations: Given the high volume of goods processed here, importers should be mindful of processing times and regulatory inspections, which can impact transit times, especially during peak holiday seasons.
Florida: Miami and Other Ports
Overview: Miami and other Florida ports are important for trade with the Middle East and Latin America. These ports provide access to Southern US markets.
Advantages: Miami ports have developed logistics systems for handling food imports, making it an excellent entry point for perishable goods like nuts and dried fruits.
Considerations: Florida ports, particularly Miami, are generally more efficient with shipments heading to the Southeastern US, which can reduce domestic transportation time for products targeting Southern markets.
Iranian Nuts and Dried Fruits: A Taste of the East on American Tables!
Let’s talk about something truly delicious and exciting: exporting Iranian nuts and dried fruits to the United States. Did you know that these tasty and high-quality treats have made their way onto American dinner tables?
Why do Americans love Iranian nuts and dried fruits?
- Unmatched Flavor: Iranian nuts and dried fruits have a unique and irresistible taste that everyone loves. This special flavor is due to Iran’s climate and soil conditions.
- High Quality: Iranian nuts and dried fruits are produced using traditional and natural methods, resulting in high quality and a wealth of nutrients
. - Wide Variety: Iran produces a wide variety of nuts and dried fruits to satisfy any taste. From pistachios and almonds to raisins and dates, everything is produced with the highest quality in Iran.
Is there a good market for Iranian nuts and dried fruits in the United States?
Absolutely! Iranian nuts and dried fruits have a very good market in the United States and are becoming more popular every day. Americans care a lot about their health and are therefore looking for natural and healthy products like Iranian nuts and dried fruits.
A fun fact: Did you know that the pistachios grown in the United States today have Iranian roots? Yes, the seeds of these pistachios were brought from Iran to California and cultivated there. We discussed this topic in detail in our article “Best Pistachios in The World“. I recommend reading that article as well to get a complete picture.
So, if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious snack, Iranian nuts and dried fruits are the best choice.
What do you think about Iranian nuts and dried fruits? Which type do you like best? Please share your thoughts with us.
Optimal Maritime Routes for Exports and Imports Between Iran and the United States
Iran and the United States possess several key ports, and maritime routes typically connect these ports. However, due to the international sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States, direct trade between these two countries is prohibited. This has led to a tactic employed by professional traders to facilitate commerce between Iran and the U.S.
After a shipment is loaded in Iran, the vessel does not sail directly to the U.S. Instead, it navigates to a country such as the United Arab Emirates or Oman. There, the cargo undergoes alterations, including container swaps and modifications to certain documents like the Bill of Lading, which is reissued in the transit country (in this example, Oman). Subsequently, the vessel departs from Oman and proceeds to the United States.
Let’s examine the maritime routes between Iran and the U.S
Best Optimal Port-to-Port Export/Import Routes Between Iran and the U.S.
Route 1: Iran ( Bandar Abbas port or Chabahar port ) → Oman ( Sohar port or Sultan Qaboos ) → Gulf of Oman → Arabian Sea → Indian Ocean → Strait of Malacca → Pacific Ocean → Port of Los Angeles.
Transit Time of Route 1:
- Iran to Oman : 4-2 Days
- Oman To Los Angeles (West Coast): 30-40 Days
Route 2: Iran (Bandar Abbas or Chabahar) → Oman ( Sohar port or Sultan Qaboos )→ Gulf of Oman → Arabian Sea → Indian Ocean → Suez Canal → Mediterranean Sea → Atlantic Ocean → New York or Houston.
Transit Time of Route 2:
- Iran to Oman : 4-2 Days
- Oman To New York or Houston (East Coast): 40-50 Days
Conclusion
Iran and the US have had longstanding political differences resulting in sanctions against Iran. These challenges have hindered Iranian and American traders in various aspects of exports and imports, such as banking and compliance with international sanctions. Nevertheless, trade between the Iranian and American people continues. Tari Trading, with its expertise in exports and imports, aims to assist you in navigating the intricacies of trade between Iran and the US.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or contact us via social media or email.
Tips for Importing from Iran to the USA!
As we mentioned before, ordinary people believe that importing from Iran to the USA is impossible. However, active and intelligent traders know that Iran and the USA do have commercial relations, not only in nuts and dried fruits but also in many other products. These relations are not direct but indirect, yet still profitable.
How does importing from Iran to the USA work?
Due to the United States sanctions on Iran, there is no direct relationship between the two countries. However, this is just a claim. If this were true, then what would all the Iranian pistachios be doing in the US market?
Yes, Iran does export to the USA.
Iranian Nuts and Dried Fruits Exports to the USA
As we mentioned, exports and imports between these two countries are happening, but not directly.
How do indirect imports and exports between Iran and the USA work?
Let’s say we want to export a container of Sultan raisins from Iran to the USA. After agreements are made, this container is loaded onto a ship by the supplier company (like Tari Trading) and sent to a country such as Oman or the UAE (a country authorized by the US government).
In that country (Oman or UAE), several legal actions will take place to bypass international sanctions, such as:
- Switching the product container
- Issuing a new bill of lading for the product
- Issuing a new certificate of origin for the product
Now, this Iranian Sultan raisin has permission to enter the United States!
The Next Step After Issuing the New Certificates:
After the new certificates are issued, the container of raisins (we used raisins as an example, but this can apply to other products too) will be loaded back onto a ship and travel through one of the above-mentioned routes.
Depending on the route, it will arrive at its destination in 30 to 50 days.
