May 20, 2022
A few years ago, the Islamic Republic was talking up Brazil as on the verge of becoming a major buyer of Iranian goods, but sales to Brazil have actually dropped to a mere pittance.
Iran annually imports $5 billion worth of goods from Brazil with a customs duty of up to 4 percent while the Islamic Republic’s exports to the South American country are less than $100 million per year, says the head of Iran-Brazil Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking to the Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA), Fakhreddin Amerian said Brazil imposes duties in excess of 100 percent on some Iranian exports. He called on the Majlis to pass a bill approving a preferential trade agreement between the two countries in order to cut Brazil’s import tariffs on Iranian goods.
“Iran can boost its exports of petrochemical products, gasoline, pistachio, raisins and dates to Brazil,” he said.
He said Iran imports 50-60 percent of its “essential” goods from Brazil. Essential goods are products consumers will buy regardless of changes in income levels and are mainly foods and pharmaceuticals.