Iran's Imports from Turkmenistan Plummet by Over 57% in Seven Months

Significant Decline in Iranian Imports from Turkmenistan

During the first seven months of the current Iranian year, spanning from March 21 to October 22, 2025, Iran's imports from Turkmenistan experienced a substantial decrease. Official data from the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) indicates a decline of 57.6 percent in value and 70.5 percent in volume compared to the same period in the previous year (March 20-October 21, 2024).

Detailed Figures and Key Commodities

Specifically, Iran imported goods valued at $5.89 million, totaling 3,340 tons, from Turkmenistan during the reporting period. This marks a considerable reduction from the $13.9 million and 11,300 tons imported in the corresponding period last year. The primary goods historically imported by Iran from Turkmenistan include

• petroleum coke
• cotton
• fabric

Shifting Trade Dynamics and Policy Implications

Despite the sharp drop in imports from Turkmenistan, the broader trade relationship between the two countries presents a more nuanced picture. Iran's non-oil exports to Turkmenistan actually saw a notable increase during the same seven-month timeframe, surging by 31 percent in value and 10.4 percent in volume. These exports amounted to $379 million for 945,000 tons of goods. Consequently, the overall non-oil trade turnover between Iran and Turkmenistan rose by 27 percent in value and 9.3 percent in volume, reaching a total of $385 million and 949,000 tons.

This shift in trade balance aligns with Iran's stated policy of prioritizing the import of essential goods while implementing restrictions on products that have domestically produced equivalents. This strategic approach aims to bolster local production and reduce reliance on foreign goods where internal capacity exists.

Broader Economic Context and Future Outlook

The decline in specific imports occurs even as both nations express intentions to strengthen overall economic ties. The head of the Iran-Turkmenistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has articulated plans to boost bilateral trade to $3 billion within the next three years. Cooperation extends to various sectors, including energy, with Iran facilitating Turkmenistan's gas exports to countries like Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Iraq, and importing electricity from Turkmenistan.

Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Tajan-Mashhad-Sarakhs railway route and joint ventures in dam and road development, underscore the long-term commitment to enhancing connectivity and trade. Recent initiatives, including an exhibition of Turkmenistan's export capabilities in Iran and planned trade delegations, aim to foster greater economic engagement. However, challenges such as government regulations and the need for more robust government support for the private sector have been identified as potential obstacles to achieving these ambitious trade targets.