Did you know that Iran is one of the most important exporters in the Middle East? There are so many things that Iran is famous for producing worldwide. In fact, some of these items are considered to be the rarest, like Saffron. The following article will broaden your horizon on the topic and give you information you didn’t know about Iran’s manufacturing products, resources, agricultural products, and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship.
Iran’s productions, industries, and exports
Iran is a prosperous and unique country, and if we attempt to discuss its industries, productions, and exports, we should consider both economic and sociocultural aspects. Economically speaking, Iran produces a variety of resources, goods, and products to export every year. Hence, it is famous for exporting certain items and goods, such as live animals, gas and oil, metals, minerals, organic chemicals, and more. Iran is one of the most significant oil and gas distributors in the Middle East and plays a significant role in the global energy market.
However, suppose you consider the matter from a cultural and sociological point of view. In that case, Iran is mostly well-known for producing fine carpets, ceramics, glassware, and other handicrafts, showcasing the country’s artistic traditions. In addition, Iran is the most crucial producer of saffron, a costly and rare flower. However, the story does not end here. This fascinating country produces many wonderful things with its rich cultural heritage and artistic accomplishments.
The following article intends to reveal valuable information on both aspects, so continue reading to learn more information on the matter.
Iran’s top exports
Considering trading, exporting goods, and international relations, Iran is one of the most critical countries in the Middle East. There are several items, in various categories, that Iran is famous for producing and exporting to other countries in the Middle East and other allied countries worldwide. The following table indicates the top exporting items and their trading values. Keep in mind that since the data was selected in 2021 based on the declared statistics, it is the most recent available.
Iran Expert by Category | Trade Value | |
1 | Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products | $32.23B |
2 | Iron and steel | $7.56B |
3 | Plastics | $6.30B |
4 | Organic chemicals | $4.42B |
5 | Edible fruits, nuts, peel of citrus fruit, melons | $2.36B |
6 | Copper | $2.06B |
7 | Fertilizers | $1.82B |
8 | Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers | $869.68M |
9 | Aluminum | $814.43M |
10 | Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers | $742.31M |
11 | Salt, sulfur, earth, stone, plaster, lime, and cement | $667.35M |
12 | Ores slag and ash | $560.32M |
13 | Zinc | $546.88M |
14 | Inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, isotopes | $512.96M |
15 | Articles of iron or steel | $461.25M |
16 | Dairy products, eggs, honey, edible products | $432.08M |
17 | Ceramic products | $348.39M |
18 | Carpets and other textile floor coverings | $341.29M |
19 | Cereal, flour, starch, milk preparations and products | $311.09M |
20 | Vegetable, fruit, nut food preparations | $271.84M |
21 | Electrical, electronic equipment | $252.77M |
22 | Glass and glassware | $235.22M |
23 | Coffee, tea, mate, and spices | $210.73M |
24 | Fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic invertebrates | $189.90M |
25 | Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials | $152.73M |
26 | Miscellaneous edible preparations | $149.59M |
27 | Soaps, lubricants, waxes, candles, modeling pastes | $146.62M |
28 | Sugars and sugar confectionery | $144.02M |
30 | Vehicles other than railways, tramways | $138.38M |
34 | Pearls, precious stones, metals, coins | $137.12M |
35 | Miscellaneous chemical products | $129.54M |
36 | Paper and paperboard, articles of pulp, paper, and board | $119.91M |
37 | Rubbers | $112.39M |
38 | Wood and articles of wood, wood charcoal | $107.90M |
39 | Pharmaceutical products | $104.20M |
40 | Other made textile articles, sets, worn clothing | $103.04M |
41 | Furniture, lighting signs, prefabricated buildings | $102.17M |
42 | Lead | $94.81M |
43 | Footwear, gaiters, and the like, | $92.32M |
44 | Tanning, dyeing extracts, tannins, derivatives, pigments | $83.19M |
45 | Artificial staple fibers | $73.03M |
46 | Products of animal origin | $58.01M |
47 | Raw hides and skins (other than fur skins) and leather | $55.71M |
48 | Articles of apparel, not knit or crocheted | $45.42M |
49 | Toys, games, sports requisites | $45.13M |
50 | Cocoa and cocoa preparations | $41.02M |
What are the products Iran is famous for producing among people worldwide
People around the world have certain assumptions about Iran and its culture based on the stories they have heard, the media, and the Persian family and friends they might have. Hence, certain products and goods are known to be Iran’s go-to producing items. The following list indicates the most prominent ones and reasons for their fame.
- Persian rugsIranian artisans are remarkably esteemed for weaving vibrant, detailed rugs and carpets with intricate geometric and floral designs. These rugs have captivated the world for hundreds of years and remain unparalleled. As declared in 2010, the art of “Traditional Skills of CarpetWeaving,” which mainly belongs to Fars province and Kashan, is a part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. Consequently, hundreds of Persian rugs are exported to various countries across the globe every year. It is also one of the best souvenirs you can get for a loved one if you are visiting the country.
- Oil and gas productionIran holds the 7th place in oil and gas production in the world, which is a very significant record, showcasing the importance of this matter in the global energy market. Last year, Iran produced 2.99 million barrels of oil daily, which was more than in 2022. Interestingly, Iran’s most significant financial budget is provided through its oil and gas business.
- Nuts, sweets, and spicesIran is one of the largest producers of pistachios in the world, and it is famous for its quality and flavor. Saffron is another well-known product produced in Iran that is extremely popular worldwide. This unique flower is rare and challenging to harvest, making it valuable and expensive. Mashhad is the main city that produces saffron. Rosewater is the next item in line. Kashan is one of the cities that create the best rosewater in the country.It is exciting to know that because Iranians have a sweet tooth, several different and delicious sweets and confectionaries are produced yearly. Each city and region has its specific treat, which can also be considered souvenirs. For Instance, Qom Produces Sohan, and Gaz is made in Isfahan.
- Persian HandicraftsIran’s soil has been blessed with countless artists and mesmerizing art. As a result, several globally famous handicrafts are produced yearly to be exported or gifted as souvenirs. Minakari, Khatamkari, Pottery and Ceramics, Firoozeh Koubi, Woodwork, and many others contribute profoundly to Iran’s cultural heritage. Many tourists visit the country every year just to witness the creation process of these magnificent art forms.
- Traditional FabricsEach city in Iran produces its specific fabric and unique local costume. For instance, in Isfahan, the creators use Qalamzani to create patterns on fabric using a special print technique. In Kerman, Women use the art of Pateh to generate abstract patterns on thick woolen fabrics with colored cotton sutures. In Yazd, people use Termeh, which is the art of painting paisley designs on silk fabrics.
Conclusion
What has been mentioned in this article is just the tip of the iceberg. Iran produces a great variety of goods, minerals, food, and energy sources every year. Some of these items are well-known and globally famous. Some might need better marketing to become as famous! Despite this, the items outlined in this list, among many others, are the primary products of Iran. Iran is rich in resources and has the potential to become a global powerhouse. With the right investments, the country can become a major player in the global market.
If you want to learn about Iran, you can simply visit ProFarsi and start exploring the language, culture, and more.