Trade between Iran and Russia: current state, free trade agreement, payments and routes

This page is informational and non-promotional. It gives a general picture of trade between Russia and Iran: turnover, the free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, settlements in national currencies, delivery routes and typical difficulties. Details on each direction (export, import, timber) are covered in separate articles linked on this page.

Please note: figures and rules change. The data on this page comes from official sources and reputable media listed in the "Sources" section; check the current situation before any commercial decision.

At a glance

1. Trade volume

According to Russian officials, turnover between the two countries reached $4.8 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, up 13.1% year on year. Putin has also said turnover grew by about 13% in 2024 and by 11.4% in the first half of 2025. Iran's exports to Russia, per Iranian customs data, were about $1.121 billion in Iranian year 1403 (to March 2025), and a representative of Iran's Trade Promotion Organization forecasts about $1.4 billion for 1404.

2. Which goods move in each direction

From Iran to Russia, about 45% of exports are agricultural products. Industrial goods make up 37%, petrochemicals and polymers 10%, and minerals about 7–8%. From Russia to Iran, the main group is grain (feed barley and corn, wheat, vegetable oils), followed by metals, paper, timber and fertilizers.

Details are in two articles: Exporting goods from Iran to Russia and Importing goods from Russia to Iran. For timber, see Importing timber from Russia to Iran.

3. The free trade agreement and EAEU observer status

In December 2024 Iran received observer status in the Eurasian Economic Union, and the free trade agreement between Iran and the EAEU has been in force since 15 May 2025. According to an Iranian official, tariffs are eliminated on about 87% of traded goods. According to Russia's deputy prime minister, the preferences cover about 93.7% of Russian exports, and Iran's average duty on Russian goods falls from 16.7% to 5.2%. The CT-3 certificate of origin is the document used to apply these preferences. Rates for each product should be checked by HS code.

4. Payments

In January 2025 Putin said Russia and Iran had almost completely switched to national currencies, with over 95% of bilateral transactions in 2024 made in rubles and rials. He also noted that the countries are working on linking their national payment systems. Iran's economy minister, however, has named restrictions on financial transactions and differences in product standards as remaining obstacles. The banking details of each deal need to be worked out separately with banks and a qualified specialist.

5. Delivery routes

The main route is the Caspian Sea: Iran's northern ports (Anzali, Amirabad) and the Russian ports of Astrakhan, Olya and Makhachkala. According to Reuters, the Caspian route has become more important in recent years. Another option is the overland and rail route through Azerbaijan. The Rasht–Astara railway project (about 160 km, around €1.6 billion, part of the North–South corridor) was, according to TASS, due to start on 1 April 2026; check its current status in official sources. Grain also moves by a Black Sea route (for example from Novorossiysk) to Iran's southern ports.

6. Typical difficulties

• Changing rules: quotas and duties on Russian grain, import ban lists or suspended issuance of permits in Iran, and quarantine requirements can change without wide notice.
• Documents and origin: the correctness of the phytosanitary certificate and the origin of goods matters for both sides; in 2026 Rosselkhoznadzor questioned the origin of some Iranian flower shipments.
• Payments and standards: banking links and differences in standards remain among the main obstacles.
• Transport capacity: the capacity of Caspian ports and shipping costs affect volumes and timing.

7. Where to start

For each product, the usual order is: determine the HS code and the preferential rate, check the quarantine requirements and standards of both countries, choose the route and check transport capacity, and agree the documents (contract, invoice, phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, transport documents) before shipment.

8. The role of Universal Partner

Universal Partner (UPBC) is a trading company working in trade between Iran and Russia. It helps buyers and sellers in both directions with supply, documents and delivery. To discuss a specific product, submit a cooperation request.

Frequently asked questions

What is the volume of trade between Iran and Russia?

$4.8 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, up 13.1% (according to Russia's energy minister).

Since when has the free trade agreement been in force?

Since 15 May 2025. According to an Iranian official, tariffs are eliminated on about 87% of traded goods.

In which currency are settlements made?

According to Putin, over 95% of transactions in 2024 were in rubles and rials; the banking details of each deal need to be worked out separately.

How is cargo transported?

Mainly across the Caspian Sea (Anzali and Amirabad to Astrakhan, Olya and Makhachkala) or by the overland and rail route through Azerbaijan; grain also moves via the Black Sea.

Where can I read details on export and import?

In the articles "Exporting goods from Iran to Russia", "Importing goods from Russia to Iran" and "Importing timber from Russia to Iran" on this site.

Sources

TASS: 11-month 2025 data · TASS: Putin on turnover growth · TASS: Putin on national currencies · TASS: Rasht–Astara railway · Tehran Times: Iran's exports · Tehran Times: free trade agreement · Interfax: free trade agreement · Intellinews: Iran's observer status · Reuters via Baird Maritime: Caspian route

Related page

Facts & FAQ about UPBC

This material contains general information and does not replace customs, banking or legal advice.