China-Iran Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $14.61B total volume •China surplus: $5.44B
China → Iran
$10.03B
Exports (2023)
Iran → China
$4.59B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$5.44B
Surplus for China
Total Trade
$14.61B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between China and Iran. Green line shows exports from China, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the China-Iran commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
China → Iran Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
China's export portfolio to Iran demonstrates strong diversification across multiple sectors, with vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703 representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
Iran → China Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
China's import pattern from Iran reveals significant dependencyin iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites), highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
China demonstrates competitive strength in exportingvehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703 to Iran, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $14.61B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: China-Iran Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $14.61 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: China maintains a surplus of $5.44 billion
- Export Focus: China's primary exports include vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703, vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708, vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereof
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from Iran include iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites), ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more, ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents a significant global trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $14.61B represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with China leveraging its comparative advantages in vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
China's specialization in vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703complements Iran's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites).
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $14.61B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $14.61B bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $14.61 billion bilateral trade volume represents a significant economic factorfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703 and iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites) demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
China's trade surplus of $5.44 billion strengthens its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between China and Iran represents a total trade volume of $14.61 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates a favorable trade balance for China, with exports exceeding importsby $5.44 billion.
Export Strengths
China's exports to Iran total $10.03 billion, with competitive advantages in vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703, representing $985.72M or9.8% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from Iran amount to $4.59 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites), with Iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites) comprising17.4% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade surplus indicates China's competitive position in this bilateral relationship. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between China and Iran in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023