Iran’s customs office (IRICA) has reported a significant decline in mobile phone imports for the first half of the current calendar year, beginning in late March. Statistics revealed a 16% drop in volume and an 8% decrease in value compared to the same period last year, with total imports valued at $1.225 billion for over 5.4 million mobile phones.
A notable reduction was observed in the value of phones imported by passengers, which plummeted by 41% year-on-year to approximately $90 million. This decline aligns with ongoing restrictions, particularly the Iranian government’s continued ban on registering new models of Apple phones. This policy is part of broader measures to curb hard currency expenditure amidst stringent US sanctions.
Despite these challenges, there have been discussions within the new administration, appointed in mid-summer, about potentially reversing the ban on Apple phones. However, IRICA chief Mohammad Rezvanifar mentioned in May that lifting the ban could lead to a steep tariff of 96% on Apple phone imports. Shortly after, Iran’s trade ministry confirmed the implementation of this tariff, although the registration ban for new Apple models remains effective.
Currently, Iran imposes a 28% tariff on other mobile phone brands priced above $600, indicating a selective approach to controlling mobile phone imports and registration amidst economic pressures.
