Iran’s Soybeans Import (HS 1201): Lower Prices, Diversified Supply, Concentrated Buyers

Key Takeaways

Iran's Soybeans (HS Code 1201) imports in 2025 saw a 12.6% value drop despite a 13.3% rise in shipment frequency, signaling margin compression.

• HS Code 1201 trade data shows 100% concentration on non-seed soybeans (HS 120190), with negligible 0.00% share for sowing seeds (HS 120110).
• Iran Soybeans Import market relies on a few high-volume buyers, with over 90% of value handled by repeat large accounts.
• Top suppliers include the UAE (27.3% value share) and Brazil (24.3%), with Turkey as the sole source for sowing seeds (HS 120110).

This overview covers the period January–December 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Iran Soybeans Imports Fall 12.6% as Shipment Volume Increases

In 2025, Iran’s soybeans imports totaled $1.28B across 196 shipments, reflecting a -12.6% decline in value compared to 2024, while shipment frequency increased by 13.3%. This divergence indicates that more shipments were executed at lower average prices, pointing to clear pricing pressure and margin compression in the market.

In the current policy environment, this data serves as a key baseline for HS 1201 trade flows under growing scrutiny, especially as new U.S. tariff measures may impose up to 25% duties on countries trading with Iran, increasing compliance and cost risks.

• Screen counterparties closely: Ensure suppliers and partners are not exposed to transactions that could trigger secondary U.S. tariffs
• Build margin buffers: Account for price compression and potential tariff impacts in forward pricing strategies
• Maintain strict documentation: Keep clear records of origin and trade flows to meet evolving compliance and sanctions requirements

Metric	2025	2024	YoY Change
Total Value	1.28B USD	1.46B USD	-12.56%
Total Weight	2.46B kg	2.38B kg	+3.18%
Frequency	196.00	173.00	+13.29%
Avg Unit Price	$0.52/kg	$0.61/kg	-15.25%

Table: Iran Soybeans Import Value, Weight, Unit Price (Source: yTrade)

Get Iran Soybeans Data Latest Updates

Iran Imports of Soybeans Are 100% Concentrated in Non-Seed Soya Beans

In 2025, Iran’s soybeans imports were almost entirely made up of non-seed soya beans (HS 120190), accounting for 100% of total import value ($1.28B). In contrast, seed soybeans (HS 120110) contributed virtually nothing. This shows that imports are focused on bulk processing and consumption, rather than agricultural use such as planting or propagation. The structure is fully concentrated around a single commodity type, with no meaningful diversification across soybean categories.

• HS 120190 – Non-seed soya beans (100% – $1.28B): Entire import demand driven by processing and consumption needs
• HS 120110 – Seed soya beans (~0%): Negligible share, indicating minimal demand for agricultural planting purposes

Table: Iran HS Code 1201) Import Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

HS Code	Product Description	Value	Weight	Quantity	Frequency	Value Ratio
120190	Soya beans; other than seed, whether or not broken	1.28B	2.46B	385.51M	190.00	100.00%
120110	Soya beans; seed, whether or not broken	6.26K	2.40K	2.40K	6.00	0.00%

Check Detailed HS Code 1201 Breakdown

Soybean Import Origins for Iran (Jan–Dec 2025)

Iran Soybean Imports Led by UAE, Brazil, and Netherlands with Balanced Supply Structure

Iran’s soybean import network is relatively diversified, with no single country exceeding a majority share. The United Arab Emirates leads at 27.3%, followed closely by Brazil (24.3%), while the Netherlands (15.3%), Turkey (10.7%), and Singapore (8.3%) also hold meaningful positions. This balanced structure indicates reduced dependency on any single supplier.

The UAE and Brazil dominate in both value and volume, while countries like the Netherlands, Singapore, and Switzerland show higher value relative to quantity, suggesting a focus on higher-priced or specialized shipments.

• United Arab Emirates (27.3%): Leading supplier with strong presence in both value and volume
• Brazil (24.3%): Major global producer contributing large-scale soybean exports
• Netherlands (15.3%): Higher-value shipments relative to volume
• Turkey (10.7%): Regional supplier with consistent trade flow
• Singapore (8.3%): Smaller volume but higher-value trade role
• Switzerland (minor share): Disproportionately high value vs. quantity, indicating premium shipments

Iran Other Soybean Imports Led by UAE and Brazil with Balanced Multi-Country Supply

Sub-HS 120190 covers non-seed soybeans used primarily for bulk processing and consumption. Iran’s imports in this category are distributed across several key suppliers, led by the United Arab Emirates (27.3% value, 27.6% weight) and Brazil (24.3% value, 24.1% weight), followed by the Netherlands (15.3%), Turkey (10.7%), and Singapore (8.3%).

The close alignment between value and weight shares indicates a balanced bulk commodity trade, with limited pricing distortion across suppliers. The structure reflects a mix of global producers, regional partners, and re-export hubs supporting Iran’s soybean supply.

• United Arab Emirates (27.3% value | 27.6% weight): Major re-export hub facilitating large-volume soybean flows
• Brazil (24.3% | 24.1%): Key global producer supplying bulk soybeans at scale
• Netherlands (15.3% | 15.4%): High-value trade and re-export node for processed or specialized products
• Turkey (10.7% | 10.3%): Regional supplier benefiting from proximity and flexible logistics
• Singapore (8.3% | 8.3%): Strategic trading hub supporting diversified supply channels

Iran Imports of Soybeans for Sowing Fully Sourced from Turkey

Sub-HS 120110 covers soybeans used for sowing (planting purposes) rather than processing or consumption.

For this category, Iran’s imports are entirely supplied by Turkey (100% of value and weight), indicating a fully concentrated sourcing structure. This reflects a strong reliance on a single, geographically proximate supplier, likely due to compatibility in agricultural conditions and established phytosanitary standards required for seed trade. The absence of alternative suppliers suggests a preference for logistical reliability and regulatory alignment when importing sensitive planting material.

• Turkey (100% value | 100% weight): Sole supplier, benefiting from proximity, agricultural compatibility, and established certification processes

Table: Iran Soybeans Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

HS Code	Country	Value	Quantity	Frequency	Weight
120190	United Arab Emirates	348.89M	67.05M	35.00	677.13M
120190	Brazil	310.73M	60.50M	45.00	593.02M
120190	Netherlands	195.12M	379.32K	16.00	379.32M
120190	Turkey	136.63M	10.23M	44.00	253.43M
120190	Singapore	106.69M	204.71K	13.00	204.71M
120110	Turkey	6.26K	2.40K	6.00	2.40K

Get Iran Soybeans (HS Code 1201) Complete Origin Countries Profile

90% of Soybean Import Market In Iran Relies on a Small Group of Major Accounts

Iran’s soybean import market is highly concentrated, with a small group of large, repeat buyers accounting for over 90% of total import value. The remaining segments—including infrequent bulk buyers and smaller, occasional importers—collectively contribute less than 10%, highlighting strong dependence on a limited number of key accounts.

Based on yTrade buyer data, this structure reflects a relationship-driven market where a few major importers control most trade flows, creating both concentration risk and stable demand for established suppliers.

• Mahidasht Agricultural Industrial and Vegetable Oil Complex (Kermanshah) ($302.26M): Largest buyer, driving high-volume soybean imports
• Semnan Pure Seed Oil ($217.90M): Major importer with consistent purchasing activity
• Exxon Agro-Industry Development Company ($141.26M): Key player with regular shipment frequency
• Other buyers (<10% combined): Fragmented demand across smaller or occasional importers
• Additional buyers (yTrade): DEVELOPING THE IDEAL MIDDLE EAST TRADE, NOVIN GOSTAR TRADING MESHKAT
• Strategic focus: Prioritize retention and service quality for top-tier buyers
• Compliance priority: Ensure all documentation and payment flows meet evolving sanctions and tariff requirements

Table: Iran Soybeans (HS Code 1201) Top Buyers List (Source: yTrade)

Buyer Company	Value	Quantity	Frequency	Weight
MAHIDASHT AGRICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL AND VEGETABLE OIL COMPLEX, KERMANSHAH	302.26M	587.85K	8.00	587.85M
SEMNAN PURE SEED OIL	217.90M	424.71K	9.00	424.71M
EXXON AGRO-INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT COMPANY	141.26M	276.62K	17.00	276.62M
DEVELOPING THE IDEAL MIDDLE EAST TRADE	**	**	**	**

Check Full Iran Soybeans Buyers list

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much Soybeans did Iran Import in 2025 (HS Code 1201)?

A: According to the yTrade customs database, Iran Soybeans Import totaled $1.28B across 196 shipments in 2025, a 12.6% value drop from 2024 despite increased shipment frequency.

Q: What is the HS Code 1201 breakdown for Iran Soybeans Import?

A: Iran’s HS Code 1201 trade data shows near-exclusive reliance on non-seed soya beans (HS 120190, 100% value share), with minimal imports of seed-grade soya beans (HS 120110, 0.00%).

Q: Who are the main partners for Iran Soybeans Import (HS Code 1201)?

A: Top origins were the UAE (27.3% value share), Brazil (24.3%), and the Netherlands (15.3%), reflecting a diversified supply chain without dominant single-country dependence.

Q: Why does the unit price differ across partners in Iran Soybeans Import?

A: Price variations stem from the sub-HS mix, with the Netherlands and Singapore supplying higher-value non-seed soya beans (HS 120190) compared to bulk commodity shipments from the UAE and Brazil.

Q: How to verify a Soybeans Importer in Iran?

A: Check for consistent shipment frequency; confirm HS 120190 dominance in their import mix; validate recurring trade ties to major origins like the UAE or Brazil.

Q: How is Soybeans typically used in this trade flow?

A: Iran’s imports are primarily for bulk processing or consumption, not agricultural propagation, given the overwhelming focus on non-seed soya beans (HS 120190).