diff --git a/zerver/lib/export.py b/zerver/lib/export.py
index 3c0786f73b..2449fb2782 100644
--- a/zerver/lib/export.py
+++ b/zerver/lib/export.py
@@ -1360,12 +1360,15 @@ def export_uploads_and_avatars(
     for dir_path in (
         uploads_output_dir,
         avatars_output_dir,
-        realm_icons_output_dir,
         emoji_output_dir,
     ):
         if not os.path.exists(dir_path):
             os.makedirs(dir_path)
 
+    # Avoid creating realm_icons_output_dir for single user exports
+    if user is None and not os.path.exists(realm_icons_output_dir):
+        os.makedirs(realm_icons_output_dir)
+
     if user is None:
         handle_system_bots = True
         users = list(UserProfile.objects.filter(realm=realm))