Iranian Red Willow : A Growing Export Opportunity

export of iranian red willow

Harvest and Export Season

The harvest season for red willow usually runs from mid-December to late March. Mahallat County processes and packages this product and exports it to European countries, the Far East, and the Persian Gulf region. The high quality of Mahallat red willow is recognized as a well-known brand, and significant quantities are exported annually.

Ultimately, given Iran’s favorable climatic conditions for cultivating red willow and the high demand for it in the global market, this plant can play an important role in the development of the country’s non-oil exports.

Advantages of Iranian Red Willow for Export

Due to its favorable climatic conditions, Iran is considered one of the best producers of high-quality red willow. The main competitive advantages of Iranian red willow include :

• High quality and natural purity
• Organic growth in many regions
• Competitive pricing compared to foreign alternatives
• Capability for processing, packaging, and bulk export
• Growing demand in global markets

The Role of Red Willow in International Trade

Red willow is considered a high–value-added product in the fields of ornamental plants, cut branches, handicrafts, and medicinal raw materials. Due to its rapid growth, high branch quality, and flexibility, this product enjoys steady demand in global markets.

Iran—particularly the Mahallat region—has become one of the major producers of export-quality red willow and has secured a strong position in international markets. Mahallat red willow is recognized as a globally known brand. According to statistics from 1995, approximately 550,000 red willow branches were exported from this region.

Countries importing red willow

Red willow is usually exported to European countries, Far Asia, Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. Most imports of red willow are to the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, the Netherlands and Taiwan, which are considered by exporters and wholesalers of red willow .

• Europe : Netherlands, Germany, England, France, Italy
• Asia : China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
• North America : United States of America
• Middle East and the Persian Gulf : United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait

In Europe, red willow is mainly used in floristry, decorative industries, artistic basket weaving, and landscape design, whereas in East Asia it is also used for medicinal, artistic, and Feng Shui purposes.

HS code or customs tariff for red willow shrub

Red willow Stems is under tariff line 06049000 .

The value of red willow in the European and Asian markets

In recent years, people used to light firewood due to lack of information about this tree, but now they are familiar with this tree and have realized how valuable this tree can be and the price of red willow in different countries. It is very high and they pay a lot of money to buy red willow.

The quality of red willow in Mahallat region is unparalleled due to the favorable climatic conditions in the world market and Mahallat red willow is known as a brand in the world.

Of course, in other places with these conditions can be of good quality. According to the statistics announced in 1995, about 550,000 branches of red willow have been exported to foreign countries from Mahallat city.

Quality Standards Required for Export

To succeed in export markets, red willow must have the following characteristics :

• Branch length: typically 100 to 250 cm
• Uniform diameter and free from breakage
• Healthy color (reddish-brown, without black spots)
• Free from pests, mold, and fungal diseases
• Pruned, straight, and properly bundled
• Controlled moisture content (for dried exports)

Uniform and flexible branches have the highest export value.

Forms of Export

Red willow is exported in several forms :

• Fresh Stems

1. Uses : floristry, decoration
2. Requires rapid transportation and a cold chain

• Dried Stems

1. Uses : basket weaving, handicrafts
2. Long shelf life and lower transportation costs

• Processed Willow (Bundled or Dyed)

1. High added value
2. Suitable for luxury European markets

Export Quality Specifications

• Length: 100 to 250 cm
• Free from pests and breakage
• Uniform color
• Professional export-grade packaging

Export Packaging

Packaging plays a key role in red willow export :

1. Packages of 10, 20, or 25 kg
2. Use of breathable plastic wrapping or export cartons
3. Labeling information :

• Product name (Red Willow / Salix purpurea)
• Country of origin (Product of Iran)
• Net weight
• Exporter’s name

For exporting fresh stems, the use of pallets and refrigerated containers is recommended.

Economic Value and Export Profitability

The global market price of red willow varies depending on quality, branch length, and type of processing; however :

• Export prices are several times higher than domestic sales
• European countries pay high foreign-currency prices for high-quality branches
• Simple processing (drying, sorting, coloring) can increase profits by 30–70%

Due to its reputation and superior quality, Mahallat red willow is usually traded at a premium price.

Iran’s Competitive Advantages in Red Willow Exports

• Favorable climatic conditions
• Skilled and more affordable labor compared to Europe
• Long-standing experience in production and export
• Well-known brand: “Mahallat Red Willow”
• Capacity for large-scale production

Export Challenges and Requirements

• Requirement for a Phytosanitary Certificate
• Sensitivity of some countries to quarantine pests
• Exchange rate fluctuations
• Weakness in international branding
• Need for direct marketing and participation in overseas exhibitions

Strategies to Increase Export Success

•  Focus on niche markets (floral design and handicrafts)
• Professional packaging and branding
• Direct sales to foreign wholesalers
• Participation in international flower and plant exhibitions
• Product diversification (dried, colored, processed)

Conclusion ( export of iranian red willow )

The export of Iranian red willow represents a profitable and sustainable economic opportunity which, with proper planning and adherence to international standards, can become one of the country’s important non-oil export products. Stakeholders in agriculture and foreign trade can secure a significant share of this growing market by focusing on quality and target markets.

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Willow Export

Is exporting red willow profitable?

Yes, due to global demand and favorable pricing, it offers good profitability.

Which countries are the best destinations for exporting red willow?

European countries and the Persian Gulf region are suitable markets.

Does exporting red willow require special permits?

Yes, a health certificate and a plant quarantine permit are mandatory.

Is it better to export red willow in bulk or packaged?

For beginners, bulk export is more economical; however, packaging generates higher profits.

Is it possible to export directly without intermediaries?

Yes, through digital marketing and direct communication with foreign buyers.

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