Numerous U.S. corporations are actively exploring market entry into Iran in anticipation of the expected lifting of sanctions, including Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and General Electric. Iran has over 77 million people who for many years have “done without” many products and services. Many U.S. firms want to avoid getting behind European and Asian peer firms regarding establishing operations in Iran. For example, U.K.-based BMI Research expects Iran’s market for computers, gaming devices and handsets to increase to $13 billion by 2018, from $9.5 billion in 2014. The oil-services firm Schlumberger Ltd. is preparing too do business with Iran if sanctions ease sufficiently. Companies globally have shareholders that expect continuous growth in revenues and profits, and these firms have their eye on many unsaturated markets in Iran.

Source: Based on Benoit Faucon, “Iran Market Beckons to U.S. Firms,” Wall Street Journal, December 24, 2015, B1.