Iran Industry: Future of Industrial Innovation

Industry, as one of the key pillars of the economy, offers vast potential for driving economic transformation and dynamism. Through the implementation of smart strategies and the effective use of these capabilities, countries can strengthen their economic infrastructure and pave the way for sustainable growth. Iran is no exception to this global principle. With its strong potential in factory construction and development, a young and cost-effective workforce, and access to abundant raw materials, the country holds significant opportunities for the growth and advancement of various industries.

Iran Industry overview

According to World Bank data, the share of employment in Industry of Iran in Tehran sector has increased to 35.02% of the total workforce, and the country’s exports reached $97.4 billion in the same year. The following are key industrial sectors in Iran with strong growth and investment potential:

• Machinery Manufacturing: Including CNC machines, cutting and bending equipment, and food and packaging machinery—driven by domestic demand for upgrading outdated equipment in workshops and factories.
• Industrial Automation and Smart Control Systems: Such as sensors, SCADA systems, robotic arms, and automated production lines—fueled by the need to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize human error.
• Mining, Oil, and Gas Machinery: Including drilling equipment, material transport systems, filtration systems, pumps, and compressors—supported by Iran’s extensive projects in extractive industries.
• Parts Manufacturing and Molding Equipment: Such as injection molding machines, lathes, and milling machines—essential for the continuous demand in Iran’s automotive, home appliance, and packaging sectors.
• Industrial Electrical Equipment: Including control panels, inverters, soft starters, and protection systems—due to high demand in factories and infrastructure development.

But what is the best way to connect with Iran’s industrial stakeholders and explore investment opportunities in these sectors?

In this context, the Iran Industry Exhibition has emerged as a strategic platform—not only to showcase domestic capabilities but also to attract foreign companies and investors to the industrial potential of Iran.

Iran Industries list

Oil & Gas (Hydrocarbons)

• Backbone of national economy, ~60% centrally planned
• Major players: NIOC, NIGC, petrochemical complexes

Petrochemicals & Chemicals

• Developed within oil & gas value chain
• Major state concern: National Petrochemical Company

Mining & Mineral Industries

• Rich in iron ore, copper, sulfur, gypsum, etc.
• Governed by IMIDRO

Automotive & Transport Manufacturing

• Iran Khodro (largest automaker in Middle East), SAIPA and joint-ventures

Aerospace & Defense Industries

• Defense Industries Organization, Iran Electronics Industries, IAIO, HESA

Food Processing & Agriculture

• Agriculture ~10% of GDP, 17.7% of industrial employment
• Major companies: Iran Dairy Industries Co. “Pegah”

Construction Materials & Cement

• Includes cement, concrete, aggregates, gypsum; subject to national standards

Pharmaceuticals & Medical Equipment

• Growing biotech and medical device companies; supported by FDA ministry

Steel & Metal Fabrication

• Major mills: Mobarakeh Steel, Esfahan, national steel
• IMIDRO and state firms are key players

Textiles & Carpets

• Traditional export sector, woven goods and textiles

Telecommunications & Electronics

• Iran Electronics Industries active in defense and commercial electronics

Tourism & Services

• Cultural heritage, tourism are emerging sectors

Iran Industrial Production

Crude Steel

• ~31.1 million tonnes produced in 2023 (up from 30.6 Mt in 2022, +1.8%)
• Represents over 58% of West Asia’s steel output and makes Iran the 10th largest global producer

Petrochemical Products

• ~69,730 thousand tonnes in 2023 (up from 65,312 / 2022)
• In the first nine months of the Iranian year (Mar–Dec 2024), 96.3 million tonnes produced (+3.5%)
• Industry capacity now reaches ~100 million tonnes/year

Motor Vehicles

• ~1.188 million units produced in 2023 (up from ~1.064 M in 2022) — global rank: 16th–17th largest producer
• Production fell slightly to ~1.132 M units in 2024

Methanol (Major Petrochemical Product)

• Zagros Petrochemical produces ~3.3 million tonnes/year of methanol (~2% of global output)

Iran Industry Exhibition Tehran: From Its First Edition to Today

Since its inception, the Tehran Industry Exhibition has been recognized as one of Iran’s most important industrial events. Initially launched to showcase domestic capabilities and create opportunities for knowledge and technology exchange, the exhibition has gradually gained international prominence as the quality of Iranian products and technologies has improved.

The exhibition serves as a platform to present the latest achievements in various industrial sectors, including machinery, industrial automation, and electronic equipment. It offers foreign companies a unique opportunity to explore Iran’s industrial potential firsthand and opens the door to international cooperation, partnerships, and investment.

For information on booth reservation or visiting the Tehran Industry Exhibition, feel free to contact us at Exhibitionmakers Company.

What Are the Benefits of Visiting or Booking a Booth at the Iran Industry Exhibition?

• A Real-World View of Iran’s Industrial Capabilities

Foreign companies visiting the exhibition gain firsthand insight into Iran’s industrial strengths—such as domestically produced machinery, engineering design expertise, manufacturing precision, and technical product quality.

• A Platform for B2B Cooperation and Joint Ventures

As a hub for meetings between Iranian companies and international brands, the Tehran Industry Exhibition paves the way for bilateral cooperation, joint assembly lines, and the launch of collaborative industrial projects.

• Market Insight and Investment Opportunities in Iran

Given the current gaps in certain industrial infrastructures—particularly in industrial automation—this exhibition allows foreign companies to analyze the Iranian market and identify profitable opportunities. This is especially relevant for countries like China, Turkey, Russia, and Central Asian nations seeking to expand into regional markets.

If you are active in industrial sectors and looking to expand your presence in Iran or establish new business partnerships, participating in the Iran Industry Exhibition could be a strategic move toward achieving your goals.

For booth reservation or participation details, feel free to contact Exhibition Makers Company.