A Strategic Analysis of Export Development Barriers for Iran&#039;s Aquatic Animals and Fishery Products: Focusing on Sanitary Standards and Market Diversification

Ghalebi, Seyed Mohammad reza; Shiry, Nima; Abasspour, Mojtaba

Volume 18, Issue 2 (Summer 2026) 3 2026, 18(2): 72-79 | Back to browse issues page

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Ghalebi S M R, Shiry N, Abasspour M. A Strategic Analysis of Export Development Barriers for Iran's Aquatic Animals and Fishery Products: Focusing on Sanitary Standards and Market Diversification. 3 2026; 18 (2) :72-79
URL: http://jmb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1047-en.html

A Strategic Analysis of Export Development Barriers for Iran's Aquatic Animals and Fishery Products: Focusing on Sanitary Standards and Market Diversification

Seyed Mohammad reza Ghalebi

, Nima Shiry

, Mojtaba Abasspour

Department of Economics and Marine Insurance, Faculty of Economics and Management, Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Khorramshahr, Iran.

Abstract: (7 Views)

Seafood exports represent a vital and expanding sector within the global economy, serving as a sustainable source of protein, a driver of employment, and a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings for many nations, including Iran. This article investigates key challenges facing the seafood export industry, including veterinary, fisheries, customs, and environmental concerns, while proposing potential solutions to address these issues. To this end, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) matrix was employed as a systematic approach based on the opinions of a panel of experts during the years 2024–2025 to identify these factors in the seafood export industry. The findings indicate that Iran’s seafood industry possesses a considerable competitive advantage in global markets, owing to its abundant marine resources and extensive history in aquaculture and fisheries. This advantage is further reinforced by the rising global demand for seafood products. However, the industry faces several critical challenges, including high production costs, quality control and standardization issues, and complex international trade regulations. Conversely, advancements in processing and packaging technologies, coupled with government support, present significant opportunities to enhance Iran’s market position. Nevertheless, the industry must contend with intense global competition, fluctuating trade policies, and environmental risks such as climate change and the depletion of marine resources, all of which could impede long-term growth. In conclusion, despite the multifaceted challenges, Iran’s seafood export industry possesses substantial potential for growth and enhanced global market positioning. The implementation of integrated strategies derived from SWOT analysis—including quality and hygiene standard enhancement, cost optimization, trade diplomacy development, sustainable resource management, and international branding—can improve competitiveness, increase export value by up to 50%, and significantly elevate Iran’s share in the global seafood market. Achieving this goal necessitates trilateral cooperation among the government, the private sector, and scientific and research institutions.

Keywords: Seafood exports, SWOT analysis, Fishery products, Sustainable development, Global competition.

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Type of Study: Applicable | Subject: Fisheries
Received: 2025/11/30 | Accepted: 2026/08/1 | Published: 2026/08/21