TEHRAN - Iran’s exports to the Americas have increased by a staggering 4.5 times in 2024 compared to 2023, according to Ahmad Firouzi, Director General of the Europe and Americas Office at the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran. He also announced that Iran is just one step away from establishing a free trade agreement with Venezuela after two decades of negotiations.

TEHRAN - The spokesperson for the Trade Development Commission of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce has stated that the recent 10% tariff imposed by the United States on imports from Iran is unlikely to halt or significantly reduce Iranian exports to the U.S., primarily due to the already high transportation costs involved. According to him, unless the U.S. government enacts a complete ban on Iranian imports, the tariff’s impact will be minimal.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that the three branches of the Iranian government should facilitate investment for production by ensuring capital security in Iran.

TEHRAN - The head of Iran’s Planning and Budget Organization announced the launch of two comprehensive national programs titled "Investment for Production" and "Countering Sanctions," aimed at supporting the country's development and addressing current economic challenges.

TEHRAN - Iran's Shipping Association Secretary, Masoud Palmeh, expressed skepticism about India’s promised $220 million investment in Chabahar Port, stating that reports suggest India has only invested around $25 million to $80 million in the port. He stressed that it’s hard to believe even the lower figure of $25 million, as significant improvements in the port are not visible.

TEHRAN - Iran has lost its former status as Afghanistan’s top trading partner, slipping to fifth place due to an imbalance in trade and growing frustration on the Afghan side over Iran’s lack of interest in Afghan goods. This is according to Alireza Khamehzar, head of the South Khorasan Chamber of Commerce, who emphasized the urgent need to revise Iran’s import regulations, especially regarding agricultural products from Afghanistan.

TEHRAN - In a significant move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, Iran and Turkmenistan have reached an agreement to launch a trial passenger train service and increase cargo capacity to 400 wagons. The announcement was made by the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, upon her return from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

TEHRAN - Iran is set to bolster its maritime trade links with West and Southwest Africa, following a decision by the Africa Committee chaired by the First Vice President, according to Mohammadreza Safari, Acting Director General for Africa at Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO). This move aims to enhance Iran’s economic footprint on the continent, building on existing shipping routes and trade relationships.

TEHRAN - Oil Minister, Mohsen Paknejad, has described the burning of flare gas as a waste of the country’s natural resources, emphasizing that efforts are underway to address this issue through short- and long-term projects.

TEHRAN - The Iran Steel Producers Association has released data on the country’s steel production for the first 11 months of the Iranian year 1403 (March 21, 2024 – February 19, 2025), reporting a 6.7% decline attributed to ongoing imbalances in the industry.