The annual turnover of the livestock feed sector amounts to $8 billion

“Based on available statistics, the annual financial turnover of the livestock feed sector is approximately $8 billion. These essential feed inputs are imported through various northern and southern entry points into the country to help ensure national food security.”  the Secretary of the Union of Livestock and Poultry Feed Importers said.

Mohammadreza Kalami, Secretary of the Union of Livestock and Poultry Feed Importers, said that in recent years, the country's annual demand has been estimated at 11–12 million metric tons of corn, 4.3 million metric tons of soybean meal, and 6.5 million metric tons of barley.

He noted that approximately 3.5 million metric tons of barley are produced domestically, while the remaining demand is met through imports. Last year, however, severe drought significantly reduced domestic barley production, resulting in supply shortages during certain periods.

According to Kalami, total imports of essential commodities are projected to reach 22 million metric tons this year, of which 18 million metric tons will consist of livestock feed ingredients.

Kalami stated that over the past five years, approximately 70% of corn imports have entered the country through northern ports, while the remaining 30% have been shipped through southern ports.

He added that 60–65% of barley imports are handled through northern entry points, with the balance arriving via southern ports. In contrast, more than 90% of soybeans and soybean meal are imported through southern ports.

However, due to the risks associated with the 12-day conflict and the Ramadan period, importers shifted part of their soybean and soybean meal shipments to northern routes to ensure the uninterrupted supply of these essential commodities.