TEHRAN – Non-oil trade between Iran and China reached about $2.54 billion in the Iranian month of Aban 1404 (October-November, 2025), according to data released by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO).

Of the total, around $1.03 billion accounted for Iran’s non-oil exports to China, while approximately $1.51 billion was attributed to imports from China.

Iran exported an estimated 3.95 million tons of non-oil goods to China during the month, compared with about 0.46 million tons of imports from the country.

Despite a decline in the overall value of trade compared with the previous month, the weight structure remained largely unchanged, with export volumes significantly exceeding import volumes. The report showed that total trade value declined in Aban compared with the previous month of Mehr, as both exports to China and imports from the country fell simultaneously.

Iran’s main exports to China continued to consist largely of base and semi-processed commodities, including methanol, various grades of polyethylene and other petrochemical products, along with mineral concentrates and metal products. The dominance of petrochemical and polymer goods reflects sustained demand from Chinese industries for feedstock and production inputs, while mineral and metal shipments, including iron ore and concentrates, underline Iran’s role as a supplier of industrial raw materials.

On the import side, China remained one of Iran’s primary sources of foreign goods. Imports were mainly comprised of intermediate goods, industrial raw materials, machinery, parts and equipment required by manufacturing sectors.

High-value import items included photovoltaic cells (solar panels), completely knocked down (CKD) vehicle parts, passenger car components, integrated circuit parts, industrial machinery and electronic equipment. The composition indicates that a significant share of imports from China was directed toward supporting domestic production, assembly and industrial capacity development.

Overall, the non-oil trade pattern in Aban points to continued structural challenges in Iran’s export basket, which remains concentrated on lower value-added goods, alongside relative dependence on Chinese machinery and production inputs. Analysts say diversification of exports and upgrading value chains, coupled with targeted import management, could enhance the sustainability and efficiency of bilateral trade.

EF/MA