Iran Imports 30 Tons of Gold from Africa Despite Challenges in Trade Relations
Iran Imports 30 Tons of Gold from Africa Despite Challenges in Trade Relations
TEHRAN - Masoud Barahman, the head of the Iran-Africa Joint Chamber of Commerce, spoke with ILNA about the ongoing challenges and opportunities in trade between Iran and the African continent. He highlighted issues related to shipping, financial transactions, necessary bank guarantees for participating in tenders, and the lack of direct flights to Africa, which continue to complicate trade relations.

Iran Imports 30 Tons of Gold from Africa Despite Challenges in Trade Relations

TEHRAN (Iran News) One of the key challenges in trade between Iran and Africa is the lack of regular shipping routes. Currently, Iran’s maritime transport to Africa is limited to East Africa, with ships mostly heading to Zanzibar and occasionally stopping at Mombasa in Kenya. Iranian shipping companies only operate along these routes when the cargo hold is full, which leads to irregular shipping schedules. Barahman explained that this lack of consistency hampers Iranian traders, as they are unable to fulfill export commitments and risk damaging their reputations.

Barahman also criticized the Iranian Maritime Shipping Company (IRISL) for refusing to dispatch ships unless they are fully loaded, arguing that such a policy is counterproductive. He pointed out that, in contrast, countries like Turkey and China have implemented more strategic solutions to maintain a steady flow of trade. He suggested that consistent maritime shipments would not only improve trade but also help Iranian companies meet their export targets more effectively. However, the current instability in Iran’s shipping regulations, such as sudden export bans, has discouraged private shipping companies from taking on Iranian cargo, further exacerbating the problem.

In terms of overall trade volume, Barahman noted that Iran’s non-oil exports amount to about $50 billion annually, while the country’s potential export capacity stands at $350 billion. This suggests that Iran is only utilizing one-seventh of its export potential.

Discussing trade with Africa, Barahman revealed that in the past year, trade between Iran and the continent amounted to approximately $1.3 billion, with $1 billion worth of Iranian exports and $300 million in imports from Africa. He emphasized the growing economic potential of African nations, especially Ethiopia, which has seen rapid growth. Ethiopia, with a population of 125 million, offers significant opportunities for Iranian businesses. South Africa also stands out as a strong partner for Iranian exports, particularly in sectors such as technology and telecommunications. It is noteworthy that South Africa holds a 50% stake in the Iranian mobile network operator, Irancell.

Despite Africa’s status as the world’s least developed continent, Barahman pointed out that its economic growth rate outpaces the global average. Africa’s trade with the rest of the world amounted to $500 billion in the first half of the current year, with China accounting for $143 billion of that total. This indicates the continent’s increasing integration into the global economy, offering promising opportunities for Iranian businesses.

Barahman also addressed the issue of air transport, noting that there are no direct flights between Iran and Africa. Although there were initial agreements with South Africa and Nigeria to establish direct flights, no concrete steps have been taken. He emphasized that Iran lacks a unified roadmap for its trade with Africa. Despite efforts from various government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Trade Promotion Organization, and the Chamber of Commerce, there is no coordinated strategy, leading to fragmented efforts and missed opportunities.

 

Reflecting on the trade potential, Barahman emphasized that African markets hold strong demand for a wide range of Iranian products, from plastic goods and imitation jewelry to home appliances, carpets, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural machinery. In return, Iran imports minerals from Africa, including phosphate, bauxite, manganese ore, cocoa, coffee, and tea. With 15 oil-producing countries, Africa also offers significant energy resources for Iran. “Gold ”

In a final note, Barahman disclosed that last year, Iran imported approximately 30 tons of gold from Africa, underlining the ongoing importance of the African market for Iranian trade.

The challenges of trade with Africa remain significant, but with more strategic planning and collaboration, there is substantial potential for growth in economic ties between the two regions.

  • source : IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK