In recent days, the polymer market has faced intense turmoil and unprecedented competition in the Commodity Exchange—competition that in some cases has reached up to 80%, indicating rising artificial demand, the presence of intermediaries, and reduced transparency in the polymer market.
According to Dr. Ali Shahvazian, Chairman of the Export Commission of the National Polymer Association of Iran, the existence of multiple exchange rates and the weaknesses of the current Commodity Exchange mechanism have caused the country’s resources—rather than moving toward the production of high value–added products—to shift toward raw material sales and the export of raw and semi-raw materials. He considers the average export value of 370 dollars per ton evidence of this structural challenge in the polymer industry.
Shahvazian views the reimplementation of the Ofogh (Horizon) Plan in the polymer market as an effective solution for increasing transparency in transactions, controlling artificial demand, ensuring fair allocation of quotas, and supporting genuine producers. Relying on verified historical data registered in the National Trade System, this plan makes the procurement of raw materials from the Commodity Exchange more transparent and fosters healthier competition.
According to this board member of the National Association of Polymer Industries of Iran, the immediate implementation of the Ofogh Plan could play a significant role in reducing market tensions, preventing raw material exports, reducing currency outflow, and steering the market toward transparent and fair competition—and should be put into action as soon as possible.