Northern Ports under Pressure from Imports; Grain Market Activists Call for Increased Vessels

As import restrictions through Iran’s southern routes continue, a growing share of essential goods is now being redirected to northern ports along the Caspian Sea. According to Zargaran, the current shipping fleet in the Caspian is no longer capable of handling rising demand, and Iran urgently needs at least 100 additional vessels to prevent serious disruptions in the supply of grain, animal feed, and other bulk commodities.

He warned that increased pressure on northern trade routes is already driving up transportation costs and creating bottlenecks in the supply chain.

Mr. Zargaran said Iran’s reserves of key commodities such as corn and barley remain relatively stable for the coming months, although soybean meal supplies are under greater strain. He noted that imports are continuing through the Caspian Sea and land routes, and that even during periods of military tension, essential imports were never fully halted.

Russia and neighboring countries are also being used as alternative suppliers for animal feed and agricultural commodities.

The head of the Iran Grains Union identified liquidity shortages and unpaid government debts as the sector’s biggest challenge. Following the removal of subsidized exchange rates, importers’ working capital needs have surged, while billions of dollars in private-sector claims against the government remain unpaid.

Zargaran warned that the situation could undermine not only Iran’s food security but also the international credibility of Iranian traders and importers.