ASHGABAT - The halt in the supply of industrial goods from Iran has led to increased demand for imported products from other countries, primarily China. Sales of Chinese-made clothing, footwear, and household goods have increased significantly in Turkmenistan's capital, Hronikatm.com reports.
According to a clothing vendor at the Altyn Asyr bazaar, customers are now purchasing even items that have been sitting unused in warehouses for several years due to their poor quality. "Demand has grown so much that they're buying up everything they have in stock," the vendor noted.
Products from Turkey and European countries are also available on the shelves, but their prices are significantly higher than those of Iranian and Chinese counterparts, making the latter more attractive to the general consumer.
It was previously reported that agricultural product shipments from Iran had halted, which also negatively impacted the market. One driver transporting fruits and vegetables said his last trip coincided with the border closure.
"We waited several days for permission to leave." "As a result, we had to unload the spoiled tangerines and oranges into a special pit and return them to Turkmenistan empty," he said. According to him, traders at the Mary bazaars, who owned the cargo, suffered significant losses.
Iran has traditionally been one of Turkmenistan's key trading partners, supplying both industrial and food products. Import restrictions have created a vacuum in the market, which is gradually being filled by products from China, Turkey, and other countries. Experts note that reorienting trade flows will take time and may impact pricing in the short term.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
April 10, 2026