The feasibility of development and trade cooperation between Iran and the countries of the BRICS-PLUS: the case of manufacturing industries

The BRICS group, led by China, has played a significant role in the economy, trade, and foreign investment over the past two decades, steering the global manufacturing industry towards monopolization. This paper examines the potential for Iran to develop cooperation and trade in the manufacturing industries with BRICS Plus countries. Within the framework of the industry-country matrix on an annual basis, using indicators of "relative advantages and specialization" and "industrial-country performance," the changes in the global production of 22 industries during the 2000-2021 period were evaluated. The results indicate that the global production of many industries (17 out of 22 industries) has become more monopolistic, with China surpassing the United States in many of these sectors. Iran also plays a significant role in resource- oriented industries such coke and refineries, non-metallic minerals and chemical products, but has a lesser share in high-tech and labor-intensive industries.To develop sustainable cooperation and trade with the BRICS group, Iran needs to pursue an endogenous and dynamic industrial development path, similar to the one China has taken. Among the 22 industries and BRICS Plus countries (5 main members and 5 new members), China (22 industries), Brazil, and India (jointly in 19 industries) are the primary priorities for cooperation with Iran. These countries have the greatest potential for collaboration with Iran in various industries, including food, wood, paper, publishing and printing, chemicals, rubber and plastics, non-metallic minerals, fabricated metal products, optics and electronics, electrical equipment, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, other transport equipment, furniture, and other industries.