The UAE was the main trade partner of Iran during the current Iranian year’s first seven months (March 21-Oct. 22) with 13.23 million tons of goods worth $12.91 billion, latest data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration show.
It was followed by Turkey with 6.35 million tons worth $6.29 billion and Iraq with 11.62 million tons worth $4.14 billion.
According to the data, Iran traded 45.28 million tons of goods worth $29.09 billion, excluding crude oil exports, with its 15 neighboring countries during the period.
The tonnage of trade saw a 25.75% year-on-year decline, but its value experienced a 2.72% rise.
Exports reached 33.28 million tons worth $14.24 billion during the period to mark a decline of 32.02% and 3.59% in tonnage and value respectively.
Iraq was the biggest destination for Iranian exports during the period with 11.48 million tons of imports worth $4.02 billion. It was followed by the UAE with 6.54 million tons worth $3.47 billion and Turkey with 4.59 million tons worth $3.08 billion.
Imports stood at 11.37 million tons worth $14.84 billion during the same period, registering a 16.22% decline in tonnage but a 9.62% growth in value.
The UAE, with 6.68 million worth $9.43 billion, was the biggest exporter to Iran followed by Turkey with 1.75 million tons worth $3.21 billion and Russia with 1.53 million tons worth $923.62 million.
The above figures on exports and imports show Iran registered a trade deficit of $595.63 million with its neighbors during the seven months to Oct. 22.