Iran has emerged as the leading importer of Tajik cotton, purchasing over 30,000 tons of cotton fiber since the beginning of 2025 — more than 83% of Tajikistan’s total cotton exports. The trade, valued at US$45.7 million, has solidified Iran’s role as a key partner in Tajikistan’s agricultural and foreign trade strategy.
According to Khurshed Zuhurzoda, First Deputy Director of Export Development Agency under the Government of Tajikistan, the surge in trade reflects growing bilateral cooperation and Iran’s rising demand for cotton. Iran faces a significant shortfall in raw materials for its textile industry: the country requires about 180,000 tons of cotton fiber annually but produces only 70,000–80,000 tons domestically. Tajik cotton, prized for its quality and proximity, has become a critical supply source.
Export breakdown
Between January and June 2025, Tajikistan exported 36,300 tons of cotton fiber worth US$54.6 million. Of this, Iran accounted for 30,900 tones, or 83.6% of both volume and value. Other buyers included Russia (US$4 million), Turkiye (US$1.97 million), Pakistan (US$1.1 million), and China ($286,000). Most of the cotton came from Khatlon Province (US$29.6 million, 54.2%) and Sughd Province (US$25 million, 45.8%). The average export price was US$1,506 per ton.
Bilateral talks in China
On July 30, during the 10th SCO Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in China, Tajik Agriculture Minister Qurbon Hakimzoda and his Iranian counterpart Gholamreza Nouri discussed expanding cooperation — from cotton trade to smart farming technologies.
The talks focused on food security, supply chain resilience, agricultural mechanization, greenhouse farming, aquaculture, organic agriculture, and climate change adaptation. Both sides also discussed creating accredited laboratories, enhancing pest control, and boosting joint research.
Minister Nouri expressed Iran’s readiness to launch joint projects, while Hakimzoda confirmed “satisfactory progress” in fulfilling existing agreements.
Shifting export strategy
Tajikistan plans to gradually cut raw cotton fiber exports from 72,000 tons in 2026 to 56,000 tons in 2028, while boosting yarn exports from 14,000 tons to 18,000 tons. Experts predict this shift toward domestic processing will reshape the cotton trade with Iran, potentially leading to broader cooperation in textiles, joint ventures, technology transfer, and marketing finished products in third countries.
Agricultural analyst Bahodour Hoitov noted that reduced raw fiber exports could mean less direct supply to Iran, but increased yarn exports and expanded manufacturing partnerships could offset the impact.
