Iran’s Foreign Trade Performance in the First Ten Months of the Iranian Year 1404
(March 21, 2025 – January 20, 2026)
According to the latest statistics released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), Iran’s non-oil foreign trade recorded notable changes during the first ten months of the Iranian year 1404. The report highlights developments in export and import volumes, major trade partners, and transit performance, reflecting both regional trade dynamics and global market conditions.
During the first ten months of 1404, Iran’s non-oil exports reached approximately 130.036 million tons, valued at USD 45.015 billion. Compared to the same period of the previous year, export volume increased by 1.44%, while export value declined by 6.30%.
At the same time, imports totaled 33.177 million tons, with a total value of USD 49.107 billion. Import volume increased by 4.60%, whereas import value experienced a significant decline of 15.55% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
These figures indicate that although the physical volume of trade has increased, the total monetary value has declined, suggesting the influence of lower global commodity prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and shifts in international demand.
During the first ten months of 1404, China remained Iran’s largest export destination, importing goods worth USD 10.918 billion and accounting for 24.25% of Iran’s total export value.
Iraq ranked second with imports valued at USD 7.917 billion, representing 17.59% of total exports.
The United Arab Emirates occupied third place with imports worth USD 6.448 billion and a share of 14.32%.
Türkiye ranked fourth, importing USD 5.660 billion worth of Iranian goods, equivalent to 12.57% of total export value.
Afghanistan was the fifth-largest export destination with imports valued at USD 2.088 billion, accounting for 4.64% of Iran’s total exports.
These five countries collectively represented the majority of Iran’s non-oil export markets during the reporting period.
The United Arab Emirates was Iran’s leading source of imports during the first ten months of 1404, with imports valued at USD 14.841 billion, accounting for approximately 30.22% of the total import value.
China ranked second among Iran’s import partners, with imports worth USD 13.439 billion and a share of 27.37%.
Türkiye occupied third place with imports totaling USD 7.921 billion, representing 16.13% of the total import value.
India ranked fourth with exports to Iran valued at USD 1.547 billion and a share of 3.15%.
Germany completed the top five import partners, accounting for USD 1.436 billion and approximately 2.92% of Iran’s total imports.
According to the report, Iran’s foreign transit volume during the first ten months of 1404 reached 17.6 million tons.
Compared with the same period of the previous year, foreign transit recorded a decline of 4.63%.
Despite this decrease, Iran continues to maintain a strategic geographical position as a major transit corridor linking Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Persian Gulf region, and international markets.
The foreign trade performance of Iran during the first ten months of 1404 indicates continued growth in trade volume despite a decline in overall trade value. China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and Afghanistan remained the principal destinations for Iranian exports, while the UAE, China, Türkiye, India, and Germany were the country’s major import partners.
The data demonstrates the ongoing importance of regional trade relations and highlights Iran’s role as a key commercial and transit hub in the region.
Source: Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA)
Compiled, Translated & Market Analysis by: Narjes Isazade
