Mahdi Darabi stated that imported cars by Iranians abroad exert demand pressure on the currency market, saying that under current conditions, restrictions should be imposed on imports. He expressed his concerns by questioning why we should not allow people living in Iran to import cars, while allowing those residing abroad to do so.
Customs pressures and car clearance
Darabi added: "Unfortunately, what has happened is that cars enter customs, and then various pressures arise for these cars to be cleared." This issue clearly indicates that the pressures come from those who demand expedited clearance of the cars. In response to a question about these pressures, he said: "When a commodity enters customs and is stored, many people exert pressure asking why goods are being stored in customs."
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Economists' analysis of foreign currency resources
Darabi clarified: "Many believe that car imports do not put pressure on domestic foreign currency resources, but rather these cars are imported from the currency of individuals living abroad." He stated that studies show this currency is collected from the market floor, adding: "Even assuming that a person residing abroad has currency and imports a car with it, they sell it in the Iranian market, convert the obtained rials to foreign currency, and transfer it abroad."
The assistant to the Governor of the Central Bank continued: "In this case, a person who purchased a car for $20,000 to $30,000 abroad ultimately sells it for $50,000 to $60,000 in Iran, collects the currencies available in the market, and returns abroad." These statements by Mahdi Darabi highlight the serious challenges that car imports, especially by Iranians residing abroad, pose for the country's economy.
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