"Iran Infrastructure Report Q1 2014" now available at Fast Market Research

We currently maintain a short-term bearish outlook for the Iranian construction sector. Although official data has not yet been published, we estimate a contraction in the industry in both 2012 and 2013 at 1.6% and 1.0% respectively. This is the result of a challenging macroeconomic picture, international sanctions and a prohibitive business environment. We are, however, more optimistic over the medium-to-longer term as an improvement in economic conditions should bring some respite for the sector. As such, we expect moderate growth to return in 2014 at an estimated 1% in real terms and an average of 3.5% between 2015 and 2022.

Full Report Details at
- http://www.fastmr.com/prod/723470_iran_infrastructure_report_q1_2014.aspx?afid=303

The Islamic Republic remains a country of pronounced risks, including political instability, economic stagnation and social tensions, and we believe the current situation is unsustainable over the long run. Despite a spike in oil prices, the latest wave of US energy sanctions and the EU oil embargo, coupled with a ban on London-issued insurance on oil tankers, has taken its toll on Iranian oil production, and consequently the economy at large. With its main avenue for earning foreign currency - oil represents half of the Iranian government's revenues, and accounts for an estimated 53% of the country's total exports - more or less depleted the government will be forced to cut back further on public spending.

Key developments in the industry:

* A challenging macroeconomic backdrop will continue to weaken the outlook for Iran's construction sector over the coming quarters. Elevated inflation will also weigh on real industry growth -BMI forecasts inflation to average 35% year-on-year (y-o-y) in FY2013/14 - due to a weakening currency. The Central Bank undertook a de facto devaluation of the rial in July 2013 from IRR12,260/US $ to IRR24,779/US$. This will also have an adverse effect on the availability and cost of imported capital goods, exerting yet more pressure on company profit margins.
* Oil revenues account for a significant chunk of government income, estimated at 55% of total revenues in FY2011/2012. This percentage is expected to fall as a result of international sanctions and this will have an adverse impact on public spending on infrastructure.
* In terms of Teheran's nuclear programme, the latest developments point to a notable improvement in relations between Iran and the West. At the time of writing, further talks between the parties were being held and there were high expectations for a negotiated solution to move forward.
* With the exception of Russia and China, foreign interest in Iran's construction sector will remain limited, while constrained government finances, persistent project implementation issues and sluggish activity in the oil and gas sector will continue to constrain growth in industry value.

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