Iran and the World Trade Organization

Iran will join WTO as a full member only at the conclusion of this multi-year process and the implementation of the Iranian Economic Reform Plan.

The United States has consistently blocked Iran's bid to join the WTO since Tehran first asked for membership several years ago.

The lack of financial transparency and accountability into Iran’s inner economic workings empowers and supports the IRGC’s many illicit activities, as well as its control of a shadow economy.

But there are also arguments that the IRGC should harness, rather than resist, globalization, with the question of World Trade Organization accession emerging as a key point of debate in Iran.

[10] Iran's government has not agreed to be bound by WTO copyright laws, endorsing the free distribution of unlicensed software in massive quantities.

However, while weak patent law adherence continues in Iran, it is expected this will create significant barriers for Iranian companies prospecting trade on the global market.

Middle East economic integration is a step towards WTO accession and a prime market opportunity for Iran's non-oil exports.
Iranian exports in 2006. Part of the non-oil exports are rising as the country is moving towards industrial diversification.
Iranian exports in 2006. Pistachios , liquefied propane, methanol, hand-woven carpets and automobiles are the core items of Iran's non-oil exports.
Import and exports of Iran (1995-2014) - in value terms, affected by oil prices
Iran's non-oil foreign trade was worth $140 billion in 2011.
Abadan Petrochemical Complex