Tehran – Iran’s investment in nanotechnology research and development has led to the rise of the country as a global leader in nanotechnology, producing and exporting products to various countries around the world.
Access to domestic resources, competitive prices compared to Western countries, as well as high production of raw nanomaterials, nanocatalysts, and advanced equipment, as well as geographical proximity to target markets in neighboring countries, reduced transportation costs, political and trade relations, made Iran become a leading manufacturer of regional nanotechnology products.
Iranian nanotechnology products from various industries are divided into 13 major categories, including civil engineering and construction. Optics, electronics, and photonics. Petroleum and petrochemists. Medicines, health, and happiness. Home appliances; Power and energy; Raw materials; Chemicals; Textiles and clothing; Equipment; Automotive industry and transportation. Industrial machinery; data released by the Vice President of Science and Technology shows agriculture, animal care and water.
The Construction and Civil Engineering sector is one of the main industries in the export of nanotechnology, with Iraq and Afghanistan being two main destinations. Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan also import these products.
In the “optical, electronics, photonics” sector, Iraq and Syria are the top importers, mainly due to the increasing uncertainty and crises of these countries in recent years.
Nanoscale products include night vision systems, thermal imaging cameras, high-resolution surveillance systems, and photoelectronic sensors.
Russia is the sole export destination of petroleum and petrochemical products as the Russian oil industry relies on modern technology.
Syria, Ecuador, Afghanistan and Turkey are one of the major destinations for Iran’s medicines, health and happiness products. Furthermore, countries from Asia and Africa to South America import these products. Iranian nano-based drugs for the treatment of cancer have been exported to various countries up until now. A list of new products such as Nano-Supplements indicates an increasing export opportunities for the pharmaceutical and health sector.
Countries located north of Iran, such as Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, and Armenia and Azerbaijan, are the leading importers of Iranian products in the home appliance sector, thanks to high demand for antibiotics or high resistance properties.
Iranian nanotechnology products in the electricity and energy sector are exported to Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Given the high capabilities of nanotechnology in improving energy efficiency, field exports are expected to increase with further investment.
The long-term development plan for Azerbaijan’s renewable energy project includes clear targets for the expansion of solar, wind and thermal energy. Nanotechnology plays a key role in solar panel efficiency, anti-reflective coating, maintaining equipment in harsh climate conditions, and optimizing energy conversion systems. Iran has been able to meet Azerbaijan’s needs economically.
India, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa are interested in purchasing raw Iranian nanomaterials. There is an attractive market for exporting nanoscale raw materials such as nanoparticles and nanotubes. With a large manufacturing industry, India and Pakistan are key buyers. Due to the development of indigenous technology and access to domestic mineral resources, the cost of producing these materials in Iran is lower than in Western countries and East Asia.
With the expansion of industries in countries like India and Pakistan, nanomaterials must be imported for the production of industrial paints, advanced materials, cosmetics, nanomedicine and advanced equipment.
In many developed countries such as the US and Japan, and in the European Union, the production of some nanomaterials (particularly metal nanoparticles) is strictly regulated and expensive due to environmental impact. This has led some countries to look at producers in regions such as Iran. By adhering to appropriate standards, Iran can provide a stable and fast supply rather than importing from the West.
Neighborhood countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan import most of Iran’s nanotechnology products due to the cost of transportation, cultural affinity, and the need for these countries for mid-range technology. However, some countries such as Syria, Venezuela, Ecuador and African countries are also listed as importers. Exports to these countries could be implemented within a framework of strengthening cooperation.
Iran ranks fourth in nanotechnology publications
Iran’s achievements in nanotechnology are noteworthy. The rise in scientific publications and the sale of Nano products further demonstrates the increase as a global leader in the Iranian field.
One industry that has experienced good growth in Iran in recent years is the nanotechnology industry, the subject area that has led Iran to an impressive fourth place worldwide.
According to Statnano, the leading nanotechnology website, Iran has made great strides in the field of nanotechnology, ranking fourth in the nanotechnology publications.
This ranking testifies to the country’s remarkable scientific development.
This site considers the number of science articles comparing scientific advances in nanoscience, technology and industry.
Furthermore, data released by the National Headquarters for the development of nanotechnology shows that in 1402 (March to March 2023), approximately 89.6% of Iran’s nanotechnology products were exported to Asian countries. Europe, Africa, America and Australia are the next destinations, with 6.8%, 2.5% and 1% of imports, respectively.
It shows that neighboring countries are major export destinations for Iran’s nanotechnology products.
Iraq, Türkiye and Afghanistan are the top three importers, holding 23.1%, 6.9% and 6.5% of imports.
Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, China and India rank below.