Iranian Saffron Prices Surge 12% in Q1 2025

Tight supply from South Khorasan combined with rising global demand from the UAE and China pushed saffron prices to a 3-year high this quarter.

The first quarter of 2025 saw a significant uptick in saffron export prices, driven by a combination of factors. The 2024 harvest season produced approximately 15% less yield than the previous year due to late frost in Qaen and Birjand regions. Simultaneously, demand from the UAE souk market and Chinese pharmaceutical buyers accelerated, creating a supply-demand imbalance. FOB Tehran prices for Super Negin grade reached $1,200–1,350/kg by end of March, up from $1,050–1,100/kg in December 2024. Analysts expect prices to stabilize in Q2 as new crop planting data becomes available.