Iran has industrial capability and product quality to supply plastic raw materials and resolving customs challenges could lower final prices and enhance competitiveness, a Georgian businessman said.
Speaking on the sidelines of IranPlast 2025, the Managing Director of Georgia’s Sumela-XXI Company, Konstantin Bugadze, said, “This is my second visit to the event, following an earlier trip nine years ago. I have returned to explore renewed opportunities for collaboration.”
He praised the scale of the exhibition and the number of participants, noting that he toured six halls dedicated to plastics and polymers.
“The volume of exhibitors and the diversity of offerings in plastics and polymers industry were impressive,” he said.
He added that while Iranian products are comparable in quality to Turkish goods, high import tariffs make them less cost-effective. Thus, due to lower tariffs on Turkish imports, sourcing from Turkey is more economical for us.
Referring to talks with several Iranian firms, Bugadze said, “One producer of garbage bags offered highly competitive pricing and satisfactory product samples. This could pave the way for future cooperation.”
He added his primary goal in visiting the exhibition was to assess new sourcing opportunities for plastic products from Iran.
“Given Iran’s access to raw materials, we expect more competitive pricing. However, many companies have yet to disclose final prices, and negotiations will continue after the event.”
He concluded by expressing hope that with tariff barriers removed and competitive pricing offered, his company could expand its cooperation with Iranian partners.
“Currently, the company sources its products from Turkey and China. If tariff barriers are addressed and pricing becomes more favorable, Sumela could initiate commercial partnerships with Iranian suppliers,” he said.
Iran’s 19th International Exhibition of Raw Material, Plastics, Rubber, Machinery and Equipment, known as IranPlast 2025, kicked off on September 8 in Tehran and will run to September 11.
