Iran exported $925 million worth of non-oil commodities to Turkey during the seventh Iranian calendar month (September 22 – October 21), according to Ruhollah Latifi, spokesman for the International Relations and Trade Development Committee of Iran’s House of Industry, Mining, and Trade. This positions Turkey as Iran’s third-largest export destination for the period. Meanwhile, Iran imported $1.755 billion worth of goods from Turkey, making it the third-largest source of Iranian imports.
The overall non-oil trade between Iran and Turkey reached $9.9 billion in the first seven months of the Iranian calendar year (March 20 – October 21), as per former IRICA head Mohammad Rezvanifar. Turkey also ranked as Iran’s second-largest trade partner among neighboring countries during this period.
Discussions between the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (TCCIMA) and the Turkish Exporters Union (TiM) in Istanbul earlier this year highlighted opportunities for strengthening private sector collaboration. The talks focused on leveraging capacities in tourism, food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, as well as enhancing the re-export of Iranian products through Turkey.
TCCIMA head Mahmoud Najafi-Arab emphasized the potential for joint branding initiatives and partnerships in tourism and pharmaceutical industries, leveraging Iran’s expertise in biotech and probiotics alongside Turkey’s global market reach. TiM Deputy Chairman Ahmet Gulec outlined the union’s support for Turkish exporters and noted plans for joint investments and factory construction in both countries.
Calls for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Iran and Turkey have gained traction, with Iranian officials suggesting it replace existing preferential trade agreements under the D8 framework to enhance bilateral economic exchanges.
Iranian Minister of Transport and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh highlighted the strategic role of Iran and Turkey as key transit hubs linking Asia and Europe. Recent discussions with Turkish Ambassador Hicabi Kirlangiç reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to strengthening regional freight and transportation networks, fostering economic integration, and bolstering regional stability.
In the broader context, Iran’s non-oil trade with neighboring countries increased by 23% in value over the first seven months of the Iranian calendar year, totaling $41.1 billion. Exports to neighbors reached 51.1 million tons worth $20.2 billion, with Iraq, the UAE, and Turkey among the top destinations. Imports totaled 13.4 million tons worth $20.9 billion, with Turkey, the UAE, and Russia as key sources.
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