Official data from Iran’s Customs Administration show that exports during the past eight months totaled a notable $36.99bn, reflecting a degree of resilience and relative dynamism in Iran’s foreign trade despite persistent structural constraints and sanctions. Over the same period, the total weight of exported goods exceeded 105.2mn tonnes, underscoring the dominant role of basic commodities, minerals, and energy-oriented products in the country’s export basket.
An examination of export destinations indicates that China has maintained its position as Iran’s leading export partner. The value of Iranian exports to China during this period reached about $9.25bn, placing the country firmly at the top by a wide margin. In volume terms as well, China was Iran’s largest export destination, with more than 35mn tonnes of goods—highlighting the depth of mutual dependence in bilateral goods trade.
Following China, Iraq ranked second, with exports valued at $6.72bn. The Iraqi market remains one of the most important destinations for Iran’s non-oil exports. Geographic proximity, economic linkages, and sustained demand for Iranian goods have made Iraq a strategic partner in the short to medium term. By weight, Iraq also secured second place, with roughly 19.1mn tonnes of imports from Iran.
The United Arab Emirates stood third, with exports totaling $5.22bn. The UAE’s role is not limited to that of a final consumer; rather, it serves as a major trade and re-export hub, playing a critical intermediary role in Iran’s foreign trade chain. The volume of Iranian exports to the UAE over this period is estimated at around 10.9mn tonnes.
Turkey, with $4.39bn in exports, ranked as Iran’s fourth-largest trading partner during the period. Although export volumes to Turkey trail those to China and Iraq, the broader product mix and the more industrial nature of part of the trade lend additional significance to this economic relationship. Export volumes to Turkey were reported at approximately 8.7mn tonnes.
Among other destinations, Afghanistan, with $1.66bn, and Pakistan, with $1.36bn, continue to serve as important complementary regional markets for Iran. Of particular note is India’s gradual return to the trade cycle with Iran: Iranian exports to India reached about $950mn during the period, although India’s share remains limited in volume terms.
Taken together, the data suggest that Iran’s export geography remains firmly anchored in Asia and neighboring countries. While this pattern offers advantages in terms of lower transportation costs, it also underscores the growing need to diversify export markets and to enhance the value added of Iran’s export products.
NOURNEWS