Iran Motor Vehicle Imports In 2025: Rising Demand and Dynamic Supply

Sophi

Iran's Motor Vehicles Import under HS code 8703 surged 84% YoY in 2025, with UAE and China leading. Track trends on yTrade for insights.

Key Takeaways

Iran’s HS Code 8703 trade data for Motor Vehicles in January–December 2025 reveals a high-value, concentrated import market with shifting sourcing patterns.

  • $1.72B imports surged 84% YoY, with shipment frequency up 42%, signaling broad-based demand growth for Iran Motor Vehicles Import.
  • Top 3 sub-HS codes (870322, 870380, 870340) dominated 80% of value, led by gasoline cars (29%) and EVs (27%).
  • UAE (39%), China (32%), and Germany (12%) supplied 83% of imports, with UAE acting as a logistics hub for 72% of shipments.
  • Buyer concentration is extreme: 96% of value came from repeat large-volume buyers like PARS SATER HOSHMAND COMPANY.

This overview covers the period January–December 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Iran Motor Vehicle Imports Surge 84% as Shipments Jump

In 2025, Iran imported $1.72B worth of motor vehicles across 6,740 shipments, with value surging 84% YoY and shipment frequency rising 42%. The parallel growth across both metrics points to a real expansion in demand and import activity, not just price inflation. More vehicles are entering the market at a faster pace, signaling a clear rebound in purchasing power and operational throughput in the automotive import segment.

Against today’s policy backdrop, this spike sets a high-exposure baseline for HS 8703 trade flows. New U.S. tariff authority—potentially adding 25% duties on countries trading with Iran—introduces downstream risk for supply chains that rely on indirect routing.

At the same time, Iran’s own tariff regime, which can reach up to 165% on certain vehicle categories, creates a dual-layer cost structure that suppliers must navigate. The combination of external sanctions and internal tariffs makes 2025 a critical reference point for future pricing and sourcing decisions.

  • Audit supply chains deeply: Map origin, assembly, and routing paths to identify hidden exposure to Iran-linked trade flows
  • Price for volatility: Build in buffers for sudden tariff triggers from both U.S. policy and Iran’s import duties
  • Monitor regulatory shifts: Track IRICA updates and global policy changes that could quickly alter import costs and feasibility

Table: Iran Motor Vehicles Import Value, Weight, Unit Price(Source: yTrade)

Metric 2025 2024 YoY Change
Total Value 1.72B USD 933.96M USD +84.37%
Total Weight 123.97M kg 69.46M kg +78.48%
Frequency 6.74K 4.75K +41.95%
Avg Unit Price $13.89/kg $13.45/kg +3.30%

Get Iran Motor Vehicles Data Latest Updates

Nearly 80% of Value Iran's Imports of Motor Vehicle Are Led by Gasoline Cars and EVs

In 2025, Iran’s motor vehicle imports are concentrated in a mix of gasoline-powered cars and electrified vehicles, led by spark-ignition cars (1000–1500cc, HS 870322) at $504.08M (29.27%), followed by fully electric vehicles (HS 870380) at $458.62M (26.63%), and non-plug-in hybrids (HS 870340) at $385.48M (22.39%).

Together, these three categories account for nearly 80% of total import value, indicating a moderately concentrated structure. The strong presence of EVs and hybrids alongside conventional gasoline cars highlights a dual demand trend, balancing cost-effective combustion vehicles with growing adoption of electrified mobility.

  • HS 870322 – Gasoline cars (1000–1500cc) ($504.08M, 29.27%): Largest segment driven by mid-range consumer demand
  • HS 870380 – Electric vehicles ($458.62M, 26.63%): Strong adoption of EVs in the import mix
  • HS 870340 – Hybrid vehicles ($385.48M, 22.39%): High demand for fuel-efficient alternatives
  • HS 870323 – Gasoline cars (1500–3000cc) ($262.87M, 15.27%): Secondary segment for higher engine capacity vehicles
  • HS 870360 – Plug-in hybrids ($68.35M, 3.97%): Smaller but growing electrified segment

Table: Iran HS Code 8703 Import Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

HS Code Product Description Value Weight Quantity Frequency Value Ratio
870322 Vehicles; spark-ignition engine, 1000–1500cc 504.08M 40.12M 28.24K 1.34K 29.27%
870380 Vehicles; electric motor 458.62M 32.31M 17.92K 450.00 26.63%
870340 Vehicles; hybrid (non-plug-in) 385.48M 25.95M 16.78K 1.96K 22.39%
870323 Vehicles; spark-ignition engine, 1500–3000cc 262.87M 17.15M 10.90K 2.23K 15.27%
870360 Vehicles; plug-in hybrid 68.35M 6.62M 3.72K 264.00 3.97%

Check Detailed HS Code 8703 Breakdown

Motor Vehicles Import Origins (Jan–Dec 2025)

Motor Vehicle Imports in Iran Led by UAE and China with Regional Supply Mix

Iran’s motor vehicle imports are primarily sourced from the United Arab Emirates (39% of value), China Mainland (32%), and Germany (12%), forming a moderately concentrated supplier base. The UAE dominates shipment frequency (72%), highlighting its role as a major re-export and logistics hub, while China leads in volume (40% of quantity) as a key manufacturing source. Additional suppliers such as Lebanon (6%), Turkey (4%), and Iraq (3%) reflect a broader regional network supporting diversified sourcing.

  • United Arab Emirates (39% value | 72% frequency): Leading supplier and primary re-export hub
  • China Mainland (32% value | 40% quantity): Main manufacturing source with highest shipment volume
  • Germany (12% value): High-value supplier, likely focused on premium vehicles
  • Lebanon (6%): Secondary regional supplier
  • Turkey (4%): Nearby market supporting steady imports
  • Iraq (3%): Minor contributor within regional trade flows

Supplier Breakdown by Sub-HS Vehicle Categories (HS 8703)

UAE and China Lead Iran Import of Mid-Range Gasoline Car, with Germany in Premium Segment

Sub-HS 870322 covers gasoline vehicles with engine capacity between 1000–1500cc, typically representing mid-range consumer cars.

For this category, imports are led by the United Arab Emirates ($222M, ~10K units) and China ($210M, ~15K units), followed by Germany ($49M, ~2K units). Smaller contributions come from Turkey ($13M) and India ($5M). The structure reflects a mix of re-export flows and direct manufacturing supply, with the UAE acting as a high-frequency logistics hub, while China dominates in volume. Germany’s presence highlights demand for higher-value vehicles within this segment.

  • United Arab Emirates ($222M): High-frequency re-export hub handling smaller, consistent shipments
  • China Mainland ($210M): Largest volume supplier, driven by cost-competitive production
  • Germany ($49M): Premium supplier focused on higher-value vehicles
  • Turkey ($13M): Regional supplier with moderate contribution
  • India ($5M): Minor supplier within the overall market

UAE, Germany, and China Lead Imports of Electric Vehicle In Iran

Sub-HS 870380 covers fully electric vehicles, representing a growing segment within Iran’s vehicle imports.

For this category, imports are led by the United Arab Emirates ($174M, ~7K units), followed by Germany ($122M, ~3K units) and China ($93M, ~4K units). Additional supply comes from Iraq ($34M) and China Hong Kong ($28M).

The structure reflects a mix of re-export channels and direct sourcing, with the UAE acting as a logistics hub, while Germany stands out for high-value, lower-volume premium EVs. China provides a balance of cost and volume, while Iraq and Hong Kong support regional trade and intermediary roles.

  • United Arab Emirates ($174M): Leading re-export hub for EV imports
  • Germany ($122M): High-value supplier, indicating premium electric vehicles
  • China Mainland ($93M): Competitive supplier balancing cost and volume
  • Iraq ($34M): Regional supplier benefiting from cross-border trade flows
  • China Hong Kong ($28M): Likely financial and logistics intermediary for China-linked trade

UAE, China, and Lebanon Lead Iran’s Imports of Hybrid Vehicle

Sub-HS 870340 covers non-plug-in hybrid vehicles, combining internal combustion engines with electric motors.

For this category, imports are led by the United Arab Emirates ($130M, ~6K units), followed by China ($99M, ~4K units) and Lebanon ($48M, ~2K units). Additional supply comes from Turkey ($41M) and Germany ($28M).

The structure reflects strong reliance on re-export and regional trade channels, with the UAE acting as a high-frequency logistics hub.

China provides volume-driven supply, while Lebanon’s relatively high value share suggests niche vehicle segments or specific trade arrangements. Turkey benefits from proximity, supporting efficient land-based transport.

  • United Arab Emirates ($130M): High-frequency re-export hub and primary entry channel
  • China Mainland ($99M): Major supplier with competitive pricing and volume
  • Lebanon ($48M): Notable value share, likely tied to niche models or trade agreements
  • Turkey ($41M): Regional supplier leveraging geographic proximity
  • Germany ($28M): Smaller share focused on higher-value vehicles

Table: Iran Motor Vehicles Top Origin Countries (Source: yTrade)

HS Code Country Value Quantity Frequency Weight
870322 United Arab Emirates 222.31M 10.13K 937.00 14.12M
870322 China Mainland 209.75M 14.78K 189.00 21.04M
870322 Germany 48.52M 2.27K 95.00 3.57M
870322 Turkey 13.18M 587.00 63.00 722.47K
870322 India 5.13M 235.00 9.00 345.73K
870380 United Arab Emirates 174.38M 6.74K 192.00 13.56M
870380 Germany 122.43M 3.23K 111.00 5.17M
870380 China Mainland 93.24M 4.43K 81.00 7.58M
870380 Iraq 34.37M 1.23K 35.00 2.43M
870380 China Hong Kong 27.92M 2.10K 19.00 3.22M
870340 United Arab Emirates 130.49M 5.53K 1.51K 8.60M
870340 China Mainland 98.87M 4.30K 182.00 6.43M
870340 Lebanon 48.24M 2.25K 46.00 3.71M
870340 Turkey 41.01M 1.55K 76.00 2.39M
870340 Germany 28.31M 1.26K 46.00 2.02M

Get Iran Motor Vehicles (HS Code 8703) Complete Origin Countries Profile

Iran’s Imports of Vehicle Are Driven by a Tight Circle of High-Value Buyers

In 2025, Iran’s motor vehicle import market is shaped by a small, dominant group of repeat buyers controlling 96% of total value and 90% of transactions. This signals a highly centralized demand structure where a handful of importers effectively determine market flow. Outside this core, the remaining buyer segments—bulk occasional and small-ticket purchasers—collectively account for less than 4%, indicating limited fragmentation and low independent influence.

Leveraging yTrade buyer insights, the market reveals a clear pattern: consistent, high-volume procurement is concentrated among established automotive players, creating both predictable demand and heightened reliance on a few key relationships.

  • Moein Khodro Iranians ($193.01M): Leading importer with strong purchasing consistency
  • Iranian Car Manufacturer SAIPA ($176.95M): Large-scale buyer with significant unit intake
  • Mammoth Car ($142.46M): Core importer maintaining steady transaction flow
  • Other buyers (<4% combined): Minimal impact across fragmented, low-volume participants
  • Additional buyers (yTrade): PARS SATER HOSHMAND COMPANY, PARSOMASH ARIAK KAR
  • Commercial priority: Deepen partnerships with core buyers who anchor the market
  • Execution focus: Align logistics, documentation, and delivery precision with the expectations of high-volume importers

Table: Iran Motor Vehicles (HS Code 8703) Top Buyers List (Source: yTrade)

Buyer Company Value Quantity Frequency Weight
MOEIN KHODRO IRANIANS 193.01M 6.26K 232.00 10.02M
IRANIAN CAR MANUFACTURER SAIPA 176.95M 13.27K 44.00 19.50M
MAMMOTH CAR 142.46M 6.50K 148.00 11.94M

Check Full Iran Motor Vehicles Buyers list

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much Motor Vehicles did Iran Import in 2025 (HS Code 8703)?

A: According to the yTrade customs database, Iran Motor Vehicles Import under HS Code 8703 totaled $1.72 billion across 6,740 shipments in 2025.

Q: What is the HS Code 8703 breakdown for Iran Motor Vehicles Import?

A: The top categories were spark-ignition cars over 1000–1500cc (HS 870322, 29% share), fully electric vehicles (HS 870380, 27%), and hybrid gasoline-electric cars (HS 870340, 22%).

Q: Who are the main partners for Iran Motor Vehicles Import (HS Code 8703)?

A: The UAE (39% value share), China Mainland (32%), and Germany (12%) dominated Iran’s HS Code 8703 trade data for motor vehicles.

Q: Why does the unit price differ across partners in Iran Motor Vehicles Import?

A: Variations stem from sub-code mixes, such as Germany’s premium electric vehicles (HS 870380) versus China’s volume-driven gasoline cars (HS 870322).

Q: How to verify a Motor Vehicles Importer in Iran?

A: Check for consistent shipment frequency; confirm HS/sub-code alignment (e.g., 870322 dominance); validate recurring trade with UAE/China/Germany.

Q: How is Motor Vehicles typically used in this trade flow?

A: Imported vehicles serve consumer transportation, with electric and hybrid models reflecting demand for modern automotive technology.

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Sophi

yTrade contributor

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