Imports of Essential Goods at Subsidized Rates on Decline

The import of all necessity goods, except corn, has declined this year compared with last year, Domestic Commerce Commission of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture reported, citing figures released by the Central Bank of Iran. 
Over the nine months to Dec. 20, CBI paid $4.42 billion at the exchange rate of 42,000 rials per US dollar for the procurement of essential goods, registering a 41% decline compared with the corresponding period of last year, Ashraf Mortezaei, an official with the commission, said.   
“Order registration for essential goods imports stood at $12.24 billion during the nine-month period, posting a 17% year-on-year decline. Since the beginning of the Iranian year (March 20) to Dec. 20, a total of $9.25 billion have been allocated to essential goods, which is $500 million less than last year’s similar period,” she said.