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The Economy of Iran

The Bazaar, Private Sector and Trade

Traditional merchants of the bazaar and private manufacturers play an important role, working through licensing, currency controls and unofficial channels.

Business under constraint.

Bazaaris

Merchant networks influence politics and trade.

Exports

Non-oil exports include petrochemicals, steel, pistachios, saffron and carpets.

Partners

China, the UAE, Turkey and Iraq are important trading partners.

Workarounds

Barter, third-country intermediaries and informal exchange help overcome sanctions.

Saffron sales

Iran supplies most of the world's saffron, a high-value export.

Overlooking non-oil exports

They are a significant source of income.

Key takeaways
  • The bazaar is influential.
  • Non-oil exports exist.
  • Neighbours are key partners.
  • Workarounds are used.
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