Iran Polymer Exports (HS 3901) in 2025: Falling Value, China-Led Demand

Key Takeaways

In 2025, Iran's Polymers under HS Code 3901 saw a sharp decline in export value amid tightening sanctions.

• Iran Polymers Export value dropped 24.6% YoY to $4.02B, with China absorbing 64.5% of shipments, highlighting extreme buyer concentration.
• Two sub-codes—390110 (51.8% share) and 390120 (47.8%)—dominated HS Code 3901 trade data, reflecting a reliance on bulk, unprocessed materials.
• Supplier structure showed high risk: 95% of export value came from repeat, large-volume shippers like FARHAD MASHARGHI and IRAQI.

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

Iran’s Polymer Exports Drop 25% as Pricing Pressure Intensifies

In 2025, Iran’s polymer exports totaled $4.02B across 22,750 transactions, reflecting a -24.6% decline in value compared to 2024, while transaction volume decreased only -3.1%. This gap indicates that the downturn is driven primarily by price pressure or product mix shifts, rather than a major drop in export activity. Despite stable operational flow, export value has weakened significantly, suggesting tighter margins across polymer trade.

In the current policy environment, this data provides a key baseline for Iran’s HS 3901 export performance under tightening sanctions. With the U.S. authorizing tariffs on countries trading with Iran, the data becomes critical for evaluating counterparty exposure and supply chain risk, especially across key trade partners such as Turkey, China, and the UAE.

• Screen third-country partners: Closely assess suppliers, buyers, and logistics providers in key trade hubs to identify exposure to Iran-linked transactions
• Buffer for tariff risk: Incorporate potential 25% tariff costs into pricing models for goods with indirect Iranian content or transshipment links
• Strengthen origin documentation: Maintain clear proof of supply chain origin to comply with stricter regulations targeting Iran-related trade flows

Table: Iran Polymers Export Value, Weight, Unit Price(Source: yTrade)

Metric	2025	2024	YoY Change
Total Value	4.02B USD	5.33B USD	-24.58%
Total Weight	3.39B kg	3.55B kg	-4.49%
Frequency	22.75K	23.48K	-3.10%
Avg Unit Price	$1.19/kg	$1.50/kg	-21.04%

Get Iran Polymers Data Latest Updates

Exporting Polymer from Iran Are Over 99% Concentrated in Two Polyethylene Grades

In 2025, Iran’s polymer exports are almost entirely concentrated in two polyethylene (PE) types in primary forms: HS 390110 (PE < 0.94 density) at $2.08B (51.8%) and HS 390120 (PE ≥ 0.94 density) at $1.92B (47.8%).

Together, these two categories account for over 99% of total export value, leaving negligible share for other polymer types. This structure shows a strong focus on bulk, commodity-grade thermoplastics, differentiated mainly by material density for industrial use. It also highlights a product mix heavily weighted toward raw, unprocessed polymers, rather than higher-value or specialized plastic products.

• HS 390110 – Polyethylene (<0.94 density) ($2.08B, 51.8%): Leading export, widely used in flexible packaging and films
• HS 390120 – Polyethylene (≥0.94 density) ($1.92B, 47.8%): Close second, commonly used in rigid plastics and containers
• Other polymer types (<1% combined): Minimal contribution, indicating very limited product diversification

Table: Iran HS Code 3901) Export Breakdown Details (Source: yTrade)

HS Code	Product Description	Value	Weight	Quantity	Frequency	Value Ratio
390110	Ethylene polymers; polyethylene <0.94 specific gravity	2.08B	1.64B	912.39M	11.79K	51.78%
390120	Ethylene polymers; polyethylene ≥0.94 specific gravity	1.92B	1.73B	1.47B	10.43K	47.84%
390190	Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, n.e.c.	15.03M	17.85M	16.72M	521.00	0.37%
390130	Ethylene polymers; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers	389.29K	212.25K	153.78K	17.00	0.01%

Check Detailed HS Code 3901 Breakdown

Jan–Dec 2025 Export Destinations for Iranian Polymers

Iran Exports Polymers To Which Countries?

In 2025, Iran’s polymer exports are led by China, accounting for 64.5% of total export value, making it the dominant destination by a wide margin. This reflects strong dependence on East Asia’s manufacturing demand, particularly for polyethylene.

Beyond China, exports are distributed across regional markets, including Turkey (8.0%), Iraq (5.2%), Pakistan (4.7%), and Uzbekistan (4.2%), indicating consistent trade flows to nearby countries. The structure highlights a single key buyer supported by a secondary regional network, rather than a fully diversified export base.

• China (64.5%): Primary export destination, driven by large-scale industrial demand
• Turkey (8.0%): Key regional partner with stable import volumes
• Iraq (5.2%): Neighboring market with recurring trade flows
• Pakistan (4.7%): Regional importer supporting steady demand
• Uzbekistan (4.2%): Central Asian market with growing import share

China Leads Iran’s Low-Density Polyethylene Exports, with Strong Regional Demand

Sub-HS 390110 covers polyethylene with a specific gravity of less than 0.94, commonly used in flexible packaging, films, and industrial applications.

For this category, exports are led by China ($1.34B), far exceeding all other destinations. Secondary markets include Afghanistan ($126.40M), Uzbekistan ($123.39M), Iraq ($120.53M), and Turkey ($117.29M). This structure shows a strong reliance on China as the primary processing hub, supported by consistent demand from neighboring and regional markets.

Afghanistan’s higher value relative to volume suggests imports of higher-specification or specialty grades, while Uzbekistan and Iraq reflect stable industrial demand. Turkey plays a dual role as both a consumer and a potential re-export gateway.

• China ($1.34B): Dominant destination, driven by large-scale polymer processing demand
• Afghanistan ($126.40M): Higher-value imports, likely for specialized or construction-related uses
• Uzbekistan ($123.39M): Stable regional demand for industrial applications
• Iraq ($120.53M): Consistent importer supported by proximity and trade routes
• Turkey ($117.29M): Key market with both domestic use and re-export potential

China and Turkey Lead Exports of High-Density Polyethylene in Iran, with Strong Regional Demand

Sub-HS 390120 covers polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more, typically used in rigid plastics, containers, and industrial applications.

For this category, exports are led by China ($1.25B), followed by Turkey ($205.21M), with additional demand from Pakistan ($100.37M), Iraq ($86.78M), and Uzbekistan ($45.42M). The structure shows continued dominance of China as the primary industrial buyer, while Turkey stands out as a major regional hub with both domestic consumption and re-export potential. Other neighboring markets contribute steady demand driven by manufacturing, construction, and consumer goods production.

• China ($1.25B): Primary destination, absorbing large volumes for industrial manufacturing
• Turkey ($205.21M): Second-largest buyer with strong plastics industry and gateway role
• Pakistan ($100.37M): Key regional market supporting consumer goods production
• Iraq ($86.78M): Consistent importer tied to construction and industrial demand
• Uzbekistan ($45.42M): Growing market linked to expanding manufacturing base

Table: Iran Polymers Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

HS Code	Country	Value	Quantity	Frequency	Weight
390110	China Mainland	1.34B	566.85M	2.76K	1.09B
390110	Afghanistan	126.40M	19.67M	1.56K	102.48M
390110	Uzbekistan	123.39M	28.37M	1.63K	90.66M
390110	Iraq	120.53M	59.25M	1.31K	67.12M
390110	Turkey	117.29M	78.33M	1.28K	84.73M
390120	China Mainland	1.25B	1.01B	2.56K	1.18B
390120	Turkey	205.21M	123.17M	1.93K	160.25M
390120	Pakistan	100.37M	49.49M	1.15K	63.67M
390120	Iraq	86.78M	61.59M	1.18K	69.34M
390120	Uzbekistan	45.42M	32.51M	770.00	38.97M
390190	Azerbaijan	13.35M	14.81M	443.00	15.87M
390190	Georgia	1.49M	1.89M	49.00	1.89M
390190	Afghanistan	74.15K	18.00	1.00	29.00K
390190	Iraq	47.80K	8.21K	16.00	32.21K
390190	Armenia	34.25K	609.00	6.00	15.22K

Get Iran Polymers (HS Code 3901) Complete Destination Countries Profile

Iran’s Polymer Exports Are Controlled by a Small Group of High-Volume Suppliers

Iran’s polymer export market (HS 3901) in 2025 is highly concentrated, with repeat, large-volume shippers accounting for 95% of total export value and 83% of shipment frequency. This indicates that a core group of established exporters dominates the market, while all other supplier segments, including infrequent bulk, small-lot, and occasional shippers, collectively contribute just 5% of value.

Based on yTrade supplier data, this structure highlights strong dependence on a few key players, increasing concentration risk but ensuring consistent export flow.

• Polymer Aria Sasol ($463.21M): Largest exporter with high shipment frequency and volume
• Laleh Petrochemical ($329.02M): Major supplier with substantial export scale
• Amir Kabir Petrochemical Company ($322.35M): Key exporter with consistent activity
• Other suppliers (~5% combined): Fragmented contribution from smaller exporters
• Additional suppliers (yTrade): FARHAD MASHARGHI, IRAQI, YAZD PEARL GRANULES, MEHRDAD SAKI, NAJM TEJARAT JOYANDEH ARVAND
• Strategic focus: Strengthen relationships and performance management with core exporters
• Risk mitigation: Develop contingency plans and diversify sourcing to manage policy and tariff disruptions

Table: Iran Polymers (HS Code 3901) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Supplier Company	Value	Quantity	Frequency	Weight
POLYMER ARIA SASOL	463.21M	378.83M	940.00	378.83M
LALEH PETROCHEMICAL	329.02M	562.69K	790.00	257.91M
AMIR KABIR PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY	322.35M	11.45M	855.00	263.52M
MARBLE DIAMOND TRADE	**	**	**	**

Check Full Iran Polymers Suppliers list

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much Polymers did Iran Export in 2025 (HS Code 3901)?

A: According to the yTrade customs database, Iran Polymers Export under HS Code 3901 totaled $4.02 billion across 22,750 transactions in 2025.

Q: What is the HS Code 3901 breakdown for Iran Polymers Export?

A: Iran’s exports are dominated by polyethylene polymers: HS 390110 (specific gravity <0.94) held a 51.8% share ($2.08B), while HS 390120 (specific gravity ≥0.94) accounted for 47.8% ($1.92B).

Q: Who are the main partners for Iran Polymers Export (HS Code 3901)?

A: China was the top destination (64.5% share), followed by Turkey (8.0%) and Iraq (5.2%), reflecting concentrated demand in East Asia and neighboring regions.

Q: Why does the unit price differ across partners in Iran Polymers Export?

A: Variations stem from the mix of polyethylene grades: HS 390110 (lighter) and HS 390120 (denser) polymers command different prices based on industrial applications.

Q: How to verify a Polymers Exporter in Iran?

A5. Confirm consistent shipment frequency; check alignment with dominant HS 3901 sub-codes; validate recurring trade ties to key markets like China or Turkey.

Q: How is Polymers typically used in this trade flow?

A: Iran’s HS Code 3901 trade data shows bulk polyethylene is primarily used for industrial manufacturing, packaging, and construction materials.