Iran ranked fifth among Tajikistan's largest trading partners in 2025, significantly strengthening its position amid steady growth in bilateral trade. According to the Customs Committee of the Republic of Tajikistan, trade between the two countries increased from $377.7 million in 2024 to $483.9 million in 2025—an increase of $106.2 million, or approximately 28%, Asiaplus.tj reports.
Despite this growth, Tajikistan's trade balance remains significantly in deficit: exports to Iran reached only $112.8 million, while imports from Iran totaled $371.2 million, creating a deficit of $258.4 million.
Petrochemicals, construction materials, and food products constitute the bulk of Iranian exports to Tajikistan. The key export items were petroleum bitumen ($15.4 million), Portland cement and clinker ($12.8 million), polyethylene (over $10 million), and polypropylene ($11.1 million). Significant volumes of food products were also exported: white sugar ($3.3 million), pasta ($3.2 million), fresh oranges ($2.6 million), and kiwis (over $2 million). Petroleum tar ($2.5 million) and detergents ($2.3-2.8 million) were also exported to the republic.
In contrast, Tajikistan's exports to Iran are almost entirely raw materials. Uncombed cotton fiber remains the leading commodity, with shipments exceeding $74 million in 2025. Other items are insignificant: cotton yarn – approximately $480,000; unprocessed aluminum – $95,000.
Thus, despite the expansion of trade ties, the structure of mutual trade highlights Tajikistan's dependence on imported finished goods and the continued focus of its own exports on raw materials.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 14, 2025