Iran-Thailand Trade 2023: Key Exports, Trends & B2B Opportunities

Overall Status of Iran-Thailand Trade Relations

In 2023, the volume of direct trade between Iran and Thailand reached USD 95.15 million. Of this amount, Thailand’s exports to Iran accounted for USD 89.56 million, while Thailand’s direct imports from Iran stood at only USD 5.60 million. In comparison, during the same period in 2022, Thailand exported USD 101.83 million to Iran and imported USD 40.96 million from Iran. The significant drop in Thailand's imports from Iran indicates a downward trend in bilateral trade.

Key Iranian Export Products to Thailand (2022 Data)

According to official customs data, the major Iranian export products to Thailand include:

• Semi-finished Iron and Steel – USD 569.09 million
• Chemical Fertilizers – USD 119.99 million
• Zinc – USD 50.05 million
• Other Items: Organic chemicals, mineral fuels, seafood, dried fruits, and petrochemical products

Steel alone accounts for more than 55% of Iran’s exports to Thailand.

Main Thai Exports to Iran

Iran imports a variety of products from Thailand, including:

• Rubber and rubber-based products
• Motorcycles and spare parts
• Processed fruits
• Fishing nets
• Chemicals and ceramic products
• Rice and beverages

Challenges and Opportunities

The recent decline in Thailand's direct imports from Iran can be attributed to various factors such as international sanctions, banking and financial restrictions, and growing competition from other countries. However, a large portion of Iranian exports to Thailand is routed through intermediary countries like the UAE, pushing the actual trade volume close to USD 1 billion.

As a major member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand can serve as a gateway for Iran’s entry into regional markets. Given Thailand’s interest in expanding economic ties with Iran—especially through the private sector—there are valuable opportunities for boosting trade between the two nations.

List of Key Iranian Export Products to Thailand (with Specifications)

Based on official trade data, the following are among Iran’s top exports to Thailand:

1. Semi-finished Iron and Steel

Type: Steel billets and slabs

Applications: Automotive, construction, shipbuilding, home appliances

Features:

• High purity
• Compliant with ASTM, JIS standards
• High resistance to heat and corrosion

Target Sectors in Thailand: Construction, machinery manufacturing, industrial parts

2. Chemical Fertilizers

Type: Urea, ammonium sulfate, potassium nitrate

Applications: Soil enrichment, agricultural yield improvement

Features:

• High purity
• Uniform granules
• Excellent water solubility

Target Sectors: Agriculture (rice, sugarcane, tropical fruits)

3. Zinc

Type: Zinc ingots

Applications: Galvanizing steel, battery production, alloying

Features:

• Purity: Over 99.9%
• Silver-gray color
• High corrosion resistance

Target Sectors: Automotive, electronics, metal coating industries

4. Petrochemical Products

Products: Polyethylene, polypropylene, bitumen, base oil

Applications: Plastics production, packaging, road construction

Features:

• Industrial/export grades
• Bitumen penetration grades: 60/70 to 85/100
• High thermal resistance

Target Sectors: Packaging, pipe and container manufacturing, infrastructure

5. Dried Fruits & Nuts

Products: Pistachios, raisins, dates, dried figs

Features:

• Organic, preservative-free
• Export-grade packaging
• Long shelf life

Target Sectors: Food industry, confectionery, restaurants, retail chains

6. Organic Chemicals

Products: Methanol, ethanol, acetic acid

Applications: Paints, resins, detergents

Features:

• High chemical purity (above 99.5%)
• Transported in barrels or industrial tanks

Target Sectors: Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, industrial manufacturing

7. Frozen Aquatic Products

Products: Shrimp, tuna, mahi-mahi

Features:

• Wild catch, frozen packaging
• Compliant with international health standards

Target Sectors: Restaurants, seafood packaging, re-export hubs

Role of the “Abrisham Road International Platform” in Iran-Thailand Trade

The Abrisham Road International Platform—Iran's first specialized B2B platform for global trade—has played a significant role in facilitating, expanding, and optimizing exports to East Asian markets, particularly Thailand.

Given that Thailand is a key gateway to ASEAN, and has strong capacities in food processing, construction, tourism, logistics, and agriculture, this platform provides Iranian traders with the opportunity to connect directly with Thai buyers at minimum cost.

Key Advantages of the Abrisham Road Platform for Thailand Market:

Digital showcase of Iranian products with full technical specs, pricing, packaging, and standards—available in English

Smart buyer-seller matching system providing direct access to Thai importers

Online negotiation, proforma invoice submission, and direct quotations without intermediaries

Legal, customs, and logistics consulting for shipping goods to Thailand and neighboring countries

Active participation in Southeast Asian exhibitions and trade networks under the “Iran” brand in partnership with chambers of commerce

Moreover, the platform collaborates with reputable logistics companies to introduce secure and cost-effective export routes to Bangkok and Thai ports, supporting long-term export stability.

Conclusion

A comprehensive look at Iran’s export potential to Thailand reveals that, despite the recent drop in direct trade, Thailand remains a promising and growing market for Iranian goods. From steel and petrochemicals to dried fruits and food products, Iran can solidify its position through strategic planning and digital engagement.

B2B platforms like the Abrisham Road International Platform play a pivotal role in connecting Iranian exporters with Thai buyers. By offering professional services, digital product displays, intelligent trade matchmaking, and commercial infrastructure, these platforms help Iran expand its share in Southeast Asian markets.

Leveraging digital tools, non-oil export strategies, and friendly diplomatic ties, a bright future for Iran-Thailand trade relations can be confidently envisioned.