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Read original →Tariffs as 'Secondary Sanctions': Why the US Is Imposing Duties on Iran's Trading Partners
An analysis of US tariffs on countries trading with Iran. Iran's trade structure exceeds $150 billion, with top 5 partners: China, UAE, Turkey, Iraq, and India. How tariffs are becoming a tool for secondary sanctions.
Iranian Trade: Scale, Geography, and Structure
According to Iran's customs administration IRICA, the country's total foreign trade turnover in 2025 (excluding oil) reached approximately $112 billion, comprising $48–50 billion in exports and $62–64 billion in imports. When oil exports are factored in, Iran's total trade volume exceeds $150 billion annually, according to International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates, despite ongoing sanctions.
Key Export Categories (2025):
- Oil and gas condensate — up to 60% of export revenues.
- Petrochemicals (methanol, polyethylene, fertilizers) — approximately 20%.
- Metals and semi-finished products (steel, aluminum, copper).
- Agricultural products (pistachios, fruits, processed foods).
Import Structure in 2025:
- Machinery and equipment.
- Electronics and components.
- Industrial raw materials and chemicals.
- Food and pharmaceuticals.
In 2025, Iran conducted trade operations with approximately 110–120 countries, though more than 70% of turnover is concentrated among fewer than 15 key partners. Let's examine the top five.
Who Iran trades with and what: top 5 partners and the "commodity logic"
China: oil and petrochemicals in exchange for industrial goods
China is Iran's largest trading partner. According to Iranian customs authority IRICA, total trade turnover between Iran and China for the Iranian calendar year ending March 20, 2025, reached $34.1 billion (non-oil).