Liftex Exhibition stands out as an important event for the Iranian elevator industry. Liftex Tehran International Elevator, Escalator and Equipment Exhibition, which was held for the 13th time at Tehran International Permanent Fairground between July 8-11, 2024, was held in exhibition halls numbered 31 - 35 - 38 - A 38 B - 38 with the participation of 120 companies from Iran, China, Turkey, Germany and Italy. Liftex was followed with interest as a platform focusing on elevators, escalators, elevator equipment and related technologies.

Liftex is an event where local manufacturers, international companies, suppliers and industry professionals in Iran come together to exhibit their products, develop new collaborations and follow the latest developments in the industry. Liftex offers important opportunities for the Iranian elevator industry to establish international collaborations and establish contacts with foreign investors. Foreign companies and investors participating in the exhibition get to know the Iranian market closely and have the opportunity to establish cooperation and partnership with local companies. Such collaborations strengthen the position of the Iranian elevator industry in international markets and increase their export capacity.

Liftex also contributes to raising overall quality standards by increasing competition within the sector. Encouraging manufacturers to offer more innovative and quality products, the exhibition stands out as an important factor that strengthens the competitiveness of the Iranian elevator sector in both national and international markets.

Organized by the Iranian Elevator and Escalator Syndicate, Liftex Tehran International Elevator, Escalator and Equipment Exhibition is also important to see how far the Iranian elevator industry has come.

Domestic production increased in Iran

Iran has increased domestic production of elevator parts despite economic sanctions. Imports of elevator materials, parts and accessories decreased by 100 million dollars. In a statement made by the Iranian Elevator and Escalator Association, it was stated that domestic production is encouraged and currently 75 percent of the parts needed by the elevator industry are produced locally. In the statement, which noted that the exports of the elevator sector are expected to increase to $200 million by 2025-2026, it was emphasized that standards in this field should be presented to exporters by the Standards and Industrial Research Organization or foreign standards companies should be allowed to enter Iran. Iran's elevator production capacity is 80,000 units annually. However, the economic crisis has reduced the production of companies. According to statistics, Iran has 750,000 active elevators carrying 250 million people every day.

Companies operating in the Iranian elevator sector are trying to overcome export difficulties through international cooperation and partnerships.

The Iranian elevator industry attaches great importance to strategic cooperation and partnerships in order to have a greater voice in international markets and increase its export volume. While these collaborations play a critical role in strengthening the sector's presence in the global arena, they also create significant impacts in various fields.

First of all, thanks to international partnerships and collaborations, Iranian companies have access to the latest technologies and production processes, improving their product quality and bringing them in line with international standards. Such technology transfers help the Iranian elevator industry to establish a presence in global markets and expand its market share. Knowledge sharing through foreign partners increases the innovation capabilities of local manufacturers and accelerates innovative steps in the sector.

New export opportunities in the Middle East and Central Asia: 200 units per year to 15 countries

The Iranian elevator sector has gained a great momentum in the field of exports in recent years. Currently, Iranian manufacturers export their elevator and escalator products to 15 different countries. The sector, which produces 1,200 escalators annually, exports 200 units of this production. The sector's production is 95 percent locally sourced and only 5 percent is supported by imported parts. The Iranian elevator sector aims to overtake imports in exports in the next two to three years.

The countries to which Iranian companies export are largely concentrated in regional markets. Iran's geographical location and historical trade relations cause regional markets to be at the forefront in the export of elevators and related equipment. High-rise building projects and commercial structures in neighboring Iraq have become the closest market for Iranian manufacturers. Afghanistan, with its infrastructure investments and urban transformation projects in recent years, and Syria, with its ongoing restructuring process, are among the top export destinations for Iran in the Middle East. In addition, high-rise construction in Central Asian countries such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan has created a new market area for Iran. Although trade relations between Turkey and Iran fluctuate periodically, there is a certain level of exports, especially in products related to the construction sector.

If an assessment is to be made, the changes in the export revenues of the Iranian elevator sector in the last five years have been largely shaped by internal and external dynamics. Periodic fluctuations have been observed in Iran's export revenues, and these fluctuations have been realized under the influence of various factors.

Some sanctions have made it difficult for the Iranian elevator sector to access international markets, leading to declines in export volumes. Restrictions on the banking system have created difficulties in international payments and made trade financing difficult. Moreover, technological inadequacies and lack of quality standards in the sector stand out as one of the obstacles for Iranian firms to fully compete in international markets.

On the other hand, the government's policies supporting local production are among the factors that positively affect the export performance of the sector. The incentives provided by the government have increased the capacity of local producers and enabled some firms to expand into export markets. However, these companies need to continue investing in quality and technology to be more competitive in international markets.

Regional trade and diplomatic relations are also among the important factors affecting the export performance of the Iranian elevator industry. Although there are opportunities in regional markets, fluctuations in diplomatic relations and regional instabilities stand out as factors limiting the sector's export activities. In order to overcome these challenges and make its export performance sustainable, the Iranian elevator sector needs to take steps to increase its competitiveness in international markets.

Political and economic conditions in the countries to which Iran exports directly affect export revenues. In particular, civil unrest and economic uncertainties in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan have negatively affected exports to these markets and caused fluctuations in revenues.