Downstream petrochemical products include a wide range of materials such as resins, engineering plastics, detergents, paints, chemical fertilizers, synthetic fibers, and industrial additives. These products are derived from base petrochemicals and serve critical roles in both consumer and industrial sectors.
Downstream products are manufactured in specialized and advanced units using feedstocks like ethylene, propylene, ammonia, and methanol. The production processes are more complex and require advanced technical know-how, quality control, and modern technologies.
Downstream petrochemical products create the highest value-added in the petrochemical value chain. They play a vital role in industrial development, job creation, and increasing non-oil export revenues.
Iran has strong potential to export these products to neighboring countries, as well as to Asian, African, and European markets. However, expanding these exports requires further investment in technology, product diversification, and branding.
Regarding competitive advantages, Iran benefits from access to low-cost feedstock, a large regional market, skilled labor, and an established industrial infrastructure. While the downstream sector holds high potential, it still requires increased investment and technological upgrades to fully realize its capabilities.