BAKU, Azerbaijan, July
27. Iranian banks’ lending to the trade sector rose 114%
year on year in the first three months of the current Iranian year
(March 21-June 21, 2026), according to data from the Central Bank
of Iran.
The data showed that banks extended loans worth 3.31 quadrillion
rials (about $2.34 billion) to the trade sector during the
three-month period, compared with 1.55 quadrillion rials (about
$1.1 billion) in the corresponding period of the previous Iranian
year (March 21-June 21, 2025).
Working capital loans accounted for 2.94 quadrillion rials
(about $2.08 billion) of total lending to the sector during the
period, the data showed.
Iranian banks also provided loans worth 220 trillion rials
(about $156 million) to establish enterprises and other facilities,
while loans totaling 113 trillion rials (about $80.4 million) were
extended for business expansion.
The data showed that loans worth 17.5 trillion rials (about
$12.4 million) were issued for the purchase of personal goods,
while self-employment loans totaled 4.09 trillion rials (about
$2.89 million).
Banks also provided loans of 94 billion rials (about $66,400)
for renovation work, grants worth 17.5 trillion rials (about $12.4
million), and housing purchase loans totaling 70 billion rials
(about $49,500), according to the data.
Overall, Iranian banks and financial institutions extended loans
worth about 22.6 quadrillion rials (about $16.3 billion) across all
sectors of the economy during the first three months of the current
Iranian year, up 67.5% from a year earlier.
According to Trend‘s analysis, the 114% annual increase in lending
to the trade sector suggests Iranian banks have significantly
expanded financing for the sector. The fact that the bulk of the
loans was allocated to working capital is expected to support
uninterrupted business operations, accelerate the circulation of
goods and help maintain market liquidity. At the same time,
financing for the establishment of new enterprises and the
expansion of existing businesses could encourage investment
activity, support private sector growth and contribute to job
creation. Overall, the increase in lending to the trade sector
points to stronger domestic economic activity and expanding
consumption and trade. However, the ultimate economic benefits and
long-term impact of the lending will depend on how the funds are
allocated and the broader economic environment.
