China–Iran Trade Slumps to Lowest Level in Over a Decade
Chinese exports to Iran dropped 63% from their 2017 peak to $6.93 billion in 2025, with imports also down to $3.04 billion, marking the weakest commercial exchange between the two nations in 11 years.
Summary
China’s commerce with Iran has sharply contracted, with exports falling to $6.93 billion in 2025 — a 63% decline from the $18.65 billion peak in 2017 — and imports reducing to $3.04 billion. This marks the lowest bilateral trade level recorded in at least 11 years, signaling weakened economic ties likely influenced by global sanctions and regional market constraints.
Terms & Concepts
- Bilateral Trade: The exchange of goods and services between two nations, used to assess economic cooperation and mutual dependency.
- Exports: Goods and services sold by one country to another, reflecting economic output and market demand.
- Imports: Goods and services bought from abroad, indicating domestic consumption and foreign supply dependence.