Iran, Islamic Republic of Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
Iran, Islamic Republic of's trade balance was $-13.1B in 2025, ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 44.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Iran, Islamic Republic of's trade balance stood at $-13.1B in 2025, a rise of +$10.5B from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $-13.1B by 2025. Iran, Islamic Republic of ranked 162nd globally.
Iran’s trade balance has been persistently negative, standing at –13,102,644,814.07 in 2025, which places the country 162nd globally and slightly better than Greece’s –14,122,756,208.09 but worse than Nepal’s –12,402,939,437.20. The indicator swung from a modest deficit of –148,623,522.23 in 1960 to a historic surplus of 54,398,073,067.75 in 2011, reflecting a brief period of export strength driven by high oil revenues. Since that peak, the balance has deteriorated, reaching an all‑time trough of –23,568,637,367.28 in 2024, a decline that coincides with renewed sanctions and reduced energy exports. Over the 66‑year coverage, the pattern shows a long‑term deficit punctuated by a short‑lived surplus, suggesting that without diversification of non‑oil exports or a relaxation of external constraints, the trade balance is likely to remain in deficit in the near future.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $-17.1B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $-15.1B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $-13.1B | - | - |
| 2025 | $-13.1B | +$10.5B | #162 |
| 2024 | $-23.6B | −$16.5B | #10 |
| 2023 | $-7.1B | −$16.5B | #28 |
| 2022 | $9.4B | +$3.8B | #148 |
| 2021 | $5.6B | +$25.5B | #140 |
| 2020 | $-20.0B | −$6.2B | #9 |
| 2019 | $-13.8B | −$24.8B | #12 |
| 2018 | $11.0B | +$8.4B | #153 |
| 2017 | $2.6B | −$949.8M | #136 |
| 2016 | $3.6B | +$11.7B | #149 |
| 2015 | $-8.1B | −$9.5B | #19 |
| 2014 | $1.4B | −$15.0B | #135 |
| 2013 | $16.4B | +$10.9B | #152 |
| 2012 | $5.5B | −$48.9B | #140 |
| 2011 | $54.4B | +$29.9B | #166 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iran, Islamic Republic of matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2019. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran, Islamic Republic of's trade balance was $-13.1B in 2025. Ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 44.4% increase from the previous year.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's trade balance peaked at $54.4B in 2011.
The lowest trade balance in Iran, Islamic Republic of was $-23.6B in 2024.
Iran, Islamic Republic of ranks 162nd globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's trade balance is projected to reach $-13.1B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade balance of Iran, Islamic Republic of in 2025 was $-13.1B. This ranks 162nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iran-islamic-republic-of_trade-balance,
title = {Iran, Islamic Republic of Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iran-islamic-republic-of/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}