China-Iran Trade 2026: The Definitive Outlook

Future-proof your operations with expert guidance on the new era of China-Iran trade relations and supply chain resilience.

$13.4 b

Bilateral Trade Value

Vaccines, toxins,

Top Traded Products

RCEP

Active Trade Agreements

~-2.70%

Annual Growth Rate

China-Iran Trade Intelligence: Market Data & Insights

AI Insight

The bilateral trade between China and Iran is currently on a downward trajectory, evidenced by a -2.7% growth rate and a total trade value of $13.38 billion in 2024. Market indicators show a persistent trade imbalance; China maintains a strong competitive position by exporting pharmaceuticals (vaccines) and electronics. In contrast, Iran’s market role is primarily a supplier of raw commodities, specifically polymers (LDPE/HDPE) and iron ores. This concentration in primary materials leaves Iranian exports vulnerable to global commodity price fluctuations while Chinese exports remain tech-driven.

What else would you like to know ?

Complete 5-Year Trade Overview

AI Insight

Between 2020 and 2024, total trade peaked in 2022 at approximately $15.79 billion. Since that peak, the market has experienced a steady decline, falling to $13.38 billion in 2024. This indicates a significant contraction in overall trade volume over the last three years.

Ask me more

Pinpoint market momentum. Monitor shifting demand and competitive maneuvers across China and Iran to stay three steps ahead of the industry.

Access Market Intelligence

Import & Export Breakdown

AI Insight

The trade balance is characterized by a consistent surplus for exports, which stood at $8.94 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, imports have seen a substantial reduction, dropping from a high of $6.50 billion in 2021 to $4.44 billion in 2024, widening the trade gap between the two nations.

Ask me more

Map global trade flows with total precision. Leverage granular China–Iran data to identify high-potential sourcing routes and resilient supply chains.

Visualize Trade Flows

What China Buys from Iran

AI Insight

The bilateral trade market is currently experiencing a negative growth rate of -2.7%. This downward trend reflects the broader contraction in total trade values observed since the 2022 peak, signaling a cooling period for commercial exchange.

Ask me more

Secure first-mover advantage. Identify untapped categories where demand is surging but supply remains fragmented—before the competition notices.

Uncover Growth Niches

What Iran Buys from China

AI Insight

In 2022, the leading import was Vaccines and medical cultures, valued at $810.5 million. Other major imports included Coke and semi-coke ($405.7M) and iphone 11 ($352.7M), showing a heavy reliance on high-value medical, industrial, and consumer technology products.

Ask me more

Secure first-mover advantage. Identify untapped categories where demand is surging but supply remains fragmented—before the competition notices.

Uncover Growth Niches

Annual Growth Trends

Decode annual growth dynamics and uncover accelerating markets, products, and trade corridors shaping future demand.

Analyze Growth Trends

-2.7%Annual Growth

AI Insight

Iranian exports in 2024 were dominated by petrochemicals and minerals. LDPE granules led at $618.0 million, followed by non-agglomerated iron ores ($597.3M) and HDPE granules ($581.9M). The export profile remains concentrated in primary raw materials and plastic polymers.

Ask me more

China-Iran Trade Regulations Explained

List of Trade requirements for China

Before Shipment

Obtain CCC Certification, register with GACC for food items, secure import licenses for restricted goods, perform pre-shipment inspections for machinery, and ensure sanitary/phytosanitary compliance.

Documentation Required

Essential documents include the Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, detailed Packing List, Certificate of Origin for preferential tariffs, and the Customs Import Declaration form.

List of Trade requirements for Iran

Before Shipment

Obtain pro-forma approval from the Ministry of Industry, secure CBI currency allocation, get ISIRI quality certification, acquire health permits for sensitive goods, and arrange pre-shipment inspections.

Documentation Required

Required documents comprise the legalized Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, detailed Packing List, and the mandatory Order Registration (SABT) document from the Ministry.

Eliminate the risk of port delays and unexpected penalties. Access comprehensive China-Iran documentation standards and compliance frameworks to get your shipment right the first time, every time.

View Compliance Checklist

China-Iran FTA Opportunities

Don’t let complex trade agreements eat into your profits. Navigate China-Iran FTAs with ease, confirm your eligibility, and ensure you’re paying the lowest possible duty rates.

Check FTA Eligibility

RCEP
China-ASEAN FTA
China-South Korea FTA
China-Australia FTA
China-Singapore FTA
EAEU-Iran FTA
Iran-Turkey PTA
Iran-Pakistan PTA
Iran-Syria FTA
ECOTA

Track tariffs for your product

Stay ahead of policy changes with real-time tariff alerts for your specific products. Our AI monitors official sources 24/7 and notifies you the moment rates or regulations shift.

Start Monitoring

Features

Market Intelligence

Leverage granular shipment data to identify high-growth categories and vet global suppliers. Monitor millions of records to uncover emerging opportunities and outmaneuver the competition with data-backed insights.

Identify Market Opportunities

Features

Tariff & Duty Monitoring

Calculate landed costs with total precision. Access real-time tariff rates and FTA eligibility alerts to safeguard your margins against sudden policy shifts and regulatory changes.

Secure My Margins

Features

Regulatory Compliance

Eliminate customs friction. Access automated, country-specific checklists and certification requirements to ensure your shipments are audit-ready and cleared without delay.

Access Compliance Frameworks