Iran-China Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $14.61B total volume •Iran deficit: $5.44B
Iran → China
$4.59B
Exports (2023)
China → Iran
$10.03B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$5.44B
Deficit for Iran
Total Trade
$14.61B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between Iran and China. Green line shows exports from Iran, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the Iran-China commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
Iran → China Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
Iran's export portfolio to China demonstrates strong diversification across multiple sectors, with iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites) representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
China → Iran Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
Iran's import pattern from China reveals significant dependencyin vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
Iran demonstrates competitive strength in exportingiron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites) to China, 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: Iran-China Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $14.61 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: Iran maintains a deficit of $5.44 billion
- Export Focus: Iran's primary exports 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
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from China 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
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 Iran leveraging its comparative advantages in iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites).
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
Iran's specialization in iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites)complements China's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703.
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 iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites) and vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703 demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
Iran's trade deficit of $5.44 billion impacts 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 Iran and China represents a total trade volume of $14.61 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for Iran, with imports exceeding exportsby $5.44 billion.
Export Strengths
Iran's exports to China total $4.59 billion, with competitive advantages in iron ores and concentrates: agglomerated (excluding roasted iron pyrites), representing $796.76M or17.4% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from China amount to $10.03 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703, with Vehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8703 comprising9.8% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates Iran's strategic sourcing from China. 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 Iran and China in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023