Foreign Trade Tops $44 Billion

Iran’s non-oil foreign trade hit 97.7 million tons worth $44.6 billion in the eight months leading to Nov. 20. 
According to Mehdi Mirashrafi, the head of Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, exports accounted for 75 million tons worth $21.5 billion and imports constituted 21.8 million tons worth $23.1 billion. 
“Compared with the corresponding period of last fiscal year (March 21-Nov. 21, 2019), exports registered a 14% and 19% decline in weight and value respectively. Imports saw a respective 1% and 18% decrease in weight and value year-on-year,” he was quoted as saying by IRNA. 
Imports of essential goods accounted for 15.2 million tons (about 70%) of the total imports.
Also known as necessity goods, essential goods are products consumers will buy, regardless of changes in income levels.