Impact of Iran’ Accession to the World Trade Organization on the Export of Iran's Natural Gas

Accession to the World Trade Organization can affect natural gas exports through some mechanisms such as reduction of Tariff rate, increasing international trade integration and changing relative prices (foreign and domestic prices) directly and indirectly. In this regard, according to the increased importance of the share of natural gas to the total imports of the country, this Article investigates impacts of Iran accession to the World Trade Organization on natural gas exports to Turkey, Armenia and Nakhichevan based on the Panel method during the period of 2005-2016. In order to achieve this goal, common indices on globalization have been used, including Intra Industry Trade (IIT) as well as Level of Industry Trade (LIT). Results of the paper indicate that Iran’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) has a positive effect on natural gas exports to the selective countries.