TEHRAN (Iran News) “Although foreign trade conditions may become more challenging, the private sector has proven it can find ways to overcome obstacles,” Dehnavi said. “The government’s duty is to clear the path for you, and this is emphasized by all senior officials.”

He noted that in the past week alone, three high-level meetings on exports and foreign-currency earnings were held with the president’s participation, with practical steps being discussed to resolve trade-related issues. “The message is clear: everyone is mobilized to support exporters, and positive developments are on the way,” he added.

Dehnavi underlined that export revenues must return to the national economy, a principle accepted by both the government and private sector. However, he said, disagreements arise over additional restrictions—such as fixed exchange-rate rules and mandatory allocation of proceeds—that complicate the process.

He noted that exporters are ready to repatriate their earnings but sometimes face impractical procedures. For example, some exporters lack import quotas, though a recent decision by the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Trade (MIMT) now allows exporters to receive import quotas tied to their exports.

The TPO chief also emphasized the potential of barter trade, urging the Mazandaran provincial MIMT office to identify goods that can be exchanged for imports needed by the country.

On easing restrictions for imports without transferring currency through official channels, Dehnavi said the Central Bank now permits the use of exporters’ foreign deposits abroad for imports. “This practice is already in place and even exempt from quota restrictions,” he noted, adding that better communication and practical experience would make the process smoother.

He called on private-sector players not to be discouraged by current limitations:

“Pursue exports through every viable route and new channels. The government’s role is to facilitate and support your efforts.”

Highlighting the implementation of Iran’s trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as of May 14 this year, Dehnavi said that tariffs on 87% of goods traded under the deal have been eliminated.

He encouraged businesses to identify and seize new opportunities:

“If you export to Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, Russia, or Kazakhstan, inform us so that we can ensure you benefit from these new facilities.”

Responding to the Mazandaran Chamber of Commerce’s request to designate the province as a lead region in EAEU trade, Dehnavi welcomed the proposal:

“If you are ready to take on this responsibility, we will fully support you. Identify products with export potential, and activate air and sea logistics routes. With proper coordination in customs, health, and quarantine procedures, Mazandaran’s export capacity can be significantly enhanced.”

He stressed that the province’s current $400 million in non-oil exports is far below its potential, given that the Eurasian market is worth $800–900 billion annually. “Eurasian ”

“Securing just 1% of that trade within 3–5 years is achievable, especially since most of these countries are Caspian neighbors,” he said.

Calling for removal of obstructive laws and tax burdens—as 40% of national exports face duties and income tax—Dehnavi urged lawmakers to help improve the business climate.

“We need investment to move beyond raw material exports, and that investment must come from export revenues. Without strong exports, we cannot secure the foreign currency needed to import machinery and boost production,” he said.

He argued that government policies should complement rather than hinder private-sector activity:

“Smart policies enable the private sector to pursue its own interests while achieving social benefits. If a policy opposes private-sector participation, it is flawed.”

Dehnavi announced that by mid-next year, a permanent exhibition of Mazandaran’s export capabilities will be established at the provincial chamber of commerce.

“To maximize its impact, we need an export accelerator to nurture innovative ideas from young entrepreneurs alongside experienced business leaders,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Dehnavi emphasized that export-oriented thinking is essential for sustainable production:

“We must abandon the old notion of first investing and then seeking markets. Today, identifying export markets comes first.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the TPO, a meeting titled “Opportunities to Enter the Russian Market by Showcasing Export Capabilities in the Construction Industry” was held to highlight the advantages of the free trade deal with the EAEU. The agreement provides new opportunities for Iranian exports—particularly in building materials—given Russia’s strong demand in this sector.

During the session, TPO’s International Affairs Advisor, Mirhadi Seyyedi, emphasized the vast potential of the Eurasian market. He said that following the implementation of the Eurasian Free Trade Agreement on May 14, promising prospects have opened up, especially for construction materials exports.

Seyyedi described the agreement as a “bridge” that took eight years to build, stressing that now it is up to Iranian traders and businesses to cross it. He explained that the deal eliminates tariff barriers, reducing tariffs on 87% of HS codes to zero for trade with EAEU members.

“If Iranian exports to Eurasia reach last year’s level, traders will save about $50 million in customs tariffs this year,” Seyyedi said. “Likewise, the same applies to imports, meaning a total of about $100 million in economic benefits for Iranian businesses.” He further underlined that this is a permanent agreement and urged Iranian companies to adopt a long-term, strategic outlook toward the Eurasian market.

Also speaking at the meeting, Mahmoud Bazari, Director of the TPO’s Commodity Office Revitalization Project, described Russia’s market within the Eurasian bloc as a significant opportunity for Iran. He noted that since the outbreak of the Ukraine war, conditions have become more favorable for Iranian exporters. However, he stressed the importance of understanding Russia’s import standards and industrial, construction, and infrastructure networks. TPO trade attachés in Russia, he said, are monitoring these developments and will share their findings.

Bazari recalled that Iranian traders had previously faced challenges in agricultural and food exports to Russia. “Now, new protocols between Iran and Russia have eased the path for exports,” he said.

Regarding construction products, Bazari stressed the need to comply with regulatory and technical standards before shipping goods. “Russia’s construction market is growing rapidly and is aligned with global standards,” he explained. “Iranian traders must conduct proper research and planning before entering. If Iranian construction materials gain traction in Russia, it will also positively influence perceptions across other EAEU member states.”

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TEHRAN (Iran News) According to a statement from Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), the new agreement replaces a temporary trade deal that has been in place since 2019 and only covered a limited range of products. The new full-scale agreement offers extensive tariff cuts and is expected to dramatically boost trade volumes and economic cooperation between Iran and the EAEU’s five member states: Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia.

The agreement was signed in December 2023 and has since been ratified by all member states and Iran. According to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), the average tariff rate on goods imported from the EAEU to Iran will now fall to just 4.5%, paving the way for more competitive pricing and easier market access.

EEC Minister of Trade Andrey Slepnev confirmed that preparations are underway for the first joint committee meeting between Iran and the EAEU, scheduled for the second half of 2025. The committee will focus on expanding economic cooperation, facilitating trade, and ensuring effective implementation of the agreement’s terms.

The scope of the new agreement is considerably broader than its predecessor. It covers around 90% of tradable goods, offers reciprocal commitments to preferential treatment, and introduces a detailed regulatory framework designed to eliminate trade barriers.

Experts suggest that this deal could double the trade volume between Iran and the EAEU, raising it to approximately $12 billion in the medium term. Russian officials, cited by Interfax, highlighted the strategic importance of this move, noting that Iran is now opening its domestic market to third-party countries for the first time in a meaningful way—marking a shift from its previous import-protection policies aimed at supporting domestic industries.

According to the Eurasian Economic Commission, annual savings on customs duties for EAEU suppliers could reach up to $380 million.

The EAEU is an international economic union aimed at enhancing economic integration among its member states. It facilitates the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor, while also aligning member nations’ economic policies.

Kazakhstan ranked third among EAEU members in terms of economic growth in 2024. Additionally, the bloc is launching new financial support mechanisms for farmers.

Annual customs duty savings for EAEU exporters are projected to reach $380 million, offering substantial cost reductions for suppliers in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industrial goods.

The agreement is also expected to enhance transit traffic along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal route linking India, Iran, Central Asia, and Russia. As Iran seeks to position itself as a regional logistics and energy hub, smoother trade flows and improved connectivity through the EAEU could offer both economic and geopolitical advantages.

The Eurasian Economic Union, formed in 2015, is an international economic bloc that facilitates the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor among member states, while aligning economic policies. It serves as a key player in regional economic integration and aims to promote deeper cooperation between former Soviet economies.

Kazakhstan, which recorded the third-highest economic growth rate among EAEU members in 2024, is a major player in the bloc. Additionally, the EAEU recently announced new financial support mechanisms for farmers across member states, indicating a broader economic development agenda tied to the trade agreement.

As both sides continue finalizing the operational aspects of the deal, observers say this could mark a turning point in Iran’s trade diplomacy, signaling a pivot toward greater integration with Eastern markets amid ongoing sanctions and global economic realignments.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Dehghan Dehnavi emphasized the importance of preferential and free trade agreements during a meeting with members of the Entrepreneurs’ Assembly on Monday. He stated that the agreement, signed five years ago, reduced tariffs on certain goods and created opportunities for significant growth in trade with the EAEU.

Dehnavi noted that this success has encouraged the pursuit of a free trade agreement with the union. Currently, the parliaments of the five EAEU member states have approved the agreement, and in Iran, it awaits final approval from the Guardian Council. He anticipates the agreement will come into effect early next year. “Eurasian ”

The TPO, responsible for trade negotiations, is also advancing similar preferential trade agreements with other nations, such as ongoing talks with Pakistan, he added.

Dehnavi outlined three primary goals for the TPO: regulatory reform and facilitation, development of free trade agreements, and promotion of export-oriented production. He stressed that export growth should not rely solely on surplus goods, as this approach would not lead to a substantial trade leap. Instead, Iran must identify and develop industries with strong growth potential to enhance trade opportunities.

He also highlighted the need for supportive laws and regulatory reform to facilitate exports.

Discussing exchange rate policy, Dehnavi said the government is mindful of inflation and public welfare in its efforts to align currency rates with economic realities. He advocated for a shift from preemptive supervision to retrospective oversight in policymaking, allowing economic actors to operate freely within legal boundaries while ensuring compliance through post-action monitoring.

He further criticized the reduction of TPO’s authority, which has relegated the organization to merely implementing others’ decisions. He called for a focus on laws that support export growth and trade.

Dehnavi mentioned that during his tenure, he blocked several directives that could harm exports. He stressed that decision-makers must inform economic stakeholders of new policies at least one to three months before implementation, in line with legal requirements.

He also referenced a business rights guide issued by the Presidential Legal Affairs Office, which ensures that economic actors are informed of regulations before enforcement and can seek clarification on ambiguities in the law.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) TEHRAN – Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade, Seyed Mohammad Atabak, announced Iran’s readiness to facilitate the Eurasian Economic Union’s (EAEU) connection to strategic global markets. His remarks came during the EAEU summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he highlighted the approval of a free trade agreement between Iran and the five EAEU member states, marking a significant step in economic cooperation.

Atabak expressed optimism that the establishment of a free trade zone between Iran and the EAEU members—Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia—would herald a new era of trade exchanges. He also underscored Iran’s willingness to expand collaboration into other critical sectors such as transportation, transit, and energy security.

Welcoming the EAEU’s decision to grant Iran observer status, Atabak affirmed that the summit could be a pivotal moment in Tehran’s growing relations with the union. He emphasized Iran’s resilience despite decades of sanctions, positioning itself as a reliable and influential partner in multilateral frameworks.

Highlighting successful cooperation with the EAEU over the past five years under a preferential trade agreement, Atabak noted the importance of such partnerships in countering the negative impacts of unilateral policies. He described U.S. unilateralism as a significant threat to both individual and collective national interests, advocating for greater unity among independent states through multilateral cooperation mechanisms.

Atabak stated that Iran is prepared to leverage its transit capacities to link the EAEU to major markets, including the Persian Gulf, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. He emphasized the mutual benefits of such collaboration, which would not only drive sustainable growth and prosperity for participating nations but also bolster their resilience against potential future economic shocks.

“The operationalization of the free trade agreement with the EAEU represents a transformative opportunity,” Atabak remarked. “Iran is ready to provide its extensive capabilities to achieve shared objectives.”

Beginning his address, Atabak condemned recent crimes by the Israeli regime and its allies, criticizing global mechanisms for their inaction over the past 15 months. This statement reflects Iran’s broader diplomatic stance on international issues, reinforcing its calls for accountability on the global stage.”Eurasian ”

During the summit, Atabak held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as other high-ranking officials, including Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Eurasian Economic Commission’s Executive Board, and Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister. These meetings underscored the importance of deepening bilateral and multilateral ties within the EAEU framework.

The summit concluded with the signing of an agreement granting Iran observer status within the EAEU. This position allows Iran to engage in the union’s activities and access information without binding commitments.

The EAEU, founded in 2014, aims to promote economic integration among its member states. Observers currently include Uzbekistan, Moldova, and Cuba.

The recent summit also reaffirmed the implementation of a free trade agreement between Iran and the EAEU, initially signed last year in St. Petersburg. The agreement, now ratified by the parliaments of all five EAEU members and Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly, is set to become operational within two months.

Under the agreement, approximately 87% of Iranian exports to EAEU member states will enjoy tariff-free access, reciprocally benefiting EAEU exports to Iran. This development is expected to significantly enhance trade volumes and foster economic integration among the participating nations.

Atabak emphasized the strategic importance of this agreement, noting its potential to unlock vast opportunities for all parties involved. As the free trade zone comes into effect, Iran and the EAEU are poised to strengthen their economic ties, paving the way for increased regional connectivity and shared prosperity.

With its strategic location and growing trade capabilities, Iran stands ready to play a pivotal role in linking the EAEU to key global markets, reinforcing its position as a critical partner in the region’s economic landscape.

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IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

TEHRAN – According to the statistics released by Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture (TCCIMA), Iran’s trade with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries stood at around $1.4b in the first 8 months in the current Iranian calendar year.

According to the report, the value of Iran’s trade of goods with EAEU states, excluding the crude oil trade, has been around $1.4b in the first eight months of the current Iranian calendar year which accounts for 2.8 percent of the total value of Iran’s trading goods and the figure shows 11 percent decline comparing to the same period last year.

The report shows that in the first eight months, Iran has exported 1.8m tons of non-oil goods worth $639m to the EAEU member states that shows 20 percent decline in terms of weight and 6 percent in terms of value comparing to the same period last year. TCCIMA report also indicates that Iran’s exports to Russia and Belarus have increased considerably in terms of weight and value while its exports to three countries of Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have slumped both in terms of weight and value.

EAEU states’ share of Iran’s total goods exports in the first eight months has not witnessed a meaningful change both in terms of weight and value comparing to the same period last year and with only 0.2 percent rise has reached 2.4 percent.

Among Iran’s trade partner in the EAEU, Iran’s exports to Russia in the first eight months have stood at $285m while the figure has been $233m for Armenia and in return Iran has had most of its imports from Russia which is valued at $727m.

Agro and foodstuff items have accounted for major part from Iran’s total exports to five EAEU member states in the eight months which has been around 425m tons of goods worth $330m. The major destinations for Iran’s food and agro exports to the EAEU states have been Russia, Kazakhstan and Armenia. The figure for exports to Russia is some $246m, to Kazakhstan $44m and to Armenia $23.6m.

Meanwhile the report claims that Iran’s trade balance with EAEU members in the current Iranian calendar year has been negative but the condition has become better in favor of Iran as the negative trade balance has been cut by $90m. The reason for this cut in the negative trade balance is the rise in exports from and decline of imports from Russia and Belarus, and also because of decline in imports from Kazakhstan.

The report also indicates that the trade balance with Russia in the first eight months is still negative with $442m in favor of Russia.

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as an economic union which has started its work since 2015 with five major countries of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia and it is in charge of policy-making for macro economy, migration of workforce in direction of free trade and trade agreements.

Iran signed a trade agreement with EAEU in November 2019 and according to the agreement, 860 items of goods are traded between Iran and five EAEU members and Iran is currently negotiating for signing free trade agreement with the union.

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The inauguration comes within weeks after the opening of some other projects in the strategic southern ports of Chabahar, the only oceanic port of the country.

Road Minister Mohammad Eslami, and head of Port and Maritime Organization Mohammad Rastad, among several other officials, inaugurated projects in the touristic port of Anzali on Tuesday.

The projects included a berth for general cargo and grain, two dolphin-structured berths for oil cargos, a grain depot with a capacity of 50,000 tons, a general cargo warehouse with an area of 4,509 square meters, and the facade of gate number three the Port, installing the required equipment for controlling the ingoing and outgoing traffic, overhaul of berths No. 4 to 10, and pavement and strengthening of the western wave breaker.

Also, the ground was broken for a grain depot with a capacity of 30,000 tons and tanks for depositing edible oil with 20,000 tons of capacity. Finally, a dredging operation started in a new section of the port to remove more than 1,250,000 million cubic meters of material.

On the sideline of the event, Road Minister Mohammad Eslami told reporters that the capacity of trade using containers has increased with a container ship that will ‘regularly’ transfer cargo between ports across the Caspian Sea.

He also said that the ship will increase its capacity for reefer containers that eventually boost the trade capacity of the country. Eslami said that the projects that came on stream today are valued at 2,000 billion rials (nearly $8 million).

According to the Minister, Anzali Port loading and unloading operations have increased by 53% in the first eight months of this year (March 20 – November 20), as compared to the same period last year.

“Our ports in the north of the country have a great share in the Eurasian region both in the transit and hybrid sectors; these ports will act as the intersection of North-South and East-West corridors,” said Eslami.

He also said that each Iranian port in the Caspian Sea has its own mechanisms and customers and there is a need for more competition between them to attract investment.

Meanwhile, the head of PMO Mohammad Rastad pointed to the great capacities of Iranian ports when speaking to reporters on the sideline of the event on Tuesday.

“Iranian commercial ports are situated in a suitable geographical position and can attract a great share of regional transit,” Rastad said, noting that currently, ports in the north of the country enjoy the capacity of trading some 30 million tons annually.

He noted that with the completion of development projects in the ports, Iran expects to improve its share in the transit of goods in the region. Economic

“According to the determined goals, Iranian commercial ports’ capacities now stand at 246 million tons on annual basis and this capacity will be enhanced to 260 million till the end of this year (March 2021),” he said, adding that the country is planning to increase this potential to 285 million tons by the end of the next year (March 2022).

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IRAN NEWS ECONOMIC DESK

TEHRAN – Spokesman to Iran Customs Administration Seyed Ruhollah Latifi says Iran’s exports to Eurasian Union states have been $1.24b in 11 months this year and the total trade with those states is around $2.5b.

Latifi yesterday said that Iran’s exports in 11 months this year have exceeded $1.24b while the figure was $550m in the same period last year and it indicates 105 percent growth.

On the importance of trade with Eurasian Union states, he said that the whole members of the union have noticeable economic indexes, adding that the union ranks first in extracting oil which accounts for 14.5 percent of value of the resources in the world. He went on to say that the union also ranks first in gas production with producing 20.2 percent of global gas production.

Latifi noted that the union members also rank 4^th, 3^rd and fourth in producing production of electricity, railway line, and iron production, respectively. He reiterated that Eurasia also ranks fifth in the world in terms of producing steel.

He further said the total GDP of those member states stands at 4.7 trillion with an area over 20m square meters and population more than 184m.

He said these indexes encourage Iran to boost its foreign trade with this big bloc. Three members of the union like Russia, Kazakhstan and Armenia are neighbors with Iran as Russia and Kazakhstan have marine borders and Armenia has land border with Iran and those countries’ annual imports are around $400b.

Latifi reiterated that Iran’s exports in 11 months this year have grown 105 percent and reached $1.24b.

He said Russia is the major destination for Iran’s exports as the country’s exports to Russia have been around $387m and Armenia and Kazakhstan are the next major destinations for Iran’s exports in the union.

He further said fresh apple, LNG, pistachio, kiwi, cucumber, fermented cucumber, dried grape and orange are the major exported goods to those states.

Latifi also pointed to the volume of imported goods from Eurasian Union states, adding that the volume of imports from those countries in 11 months has been around 2.8m tons while the figure was 1.2m tons in the preceding year. He added that the value of imports from those states is $1.2b which shows a little drop comparing the same period in the preceding year.

He said sunflower oil, meat, wheat, cereals and barley have been the major imports from those states. He also pointed to the free trade agreement between Iran and Eurasian states, saying that according to the agreement which came into effect in November, 380 items of goods can be traded with certain tariffs.

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