The export price index stood at 997.9 in the seventh month of the current fiscal year (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) to register a 17.5% increase compared with the preceding month and a 282.2% rise compared with the similar month of last year, the Central Bank of Iran’s latest data show.
The index saw a rise of 150.1% over the seven-month period and an increase of 100% over the 12-month period leading to Oct. 22 compared with the same periods of last year.
EPI is primarily influenced by two factors: foreign exchange rates and global commodity prices.
The index is calculated for the prices of one or a basket of commodities in international trading, using FOB export prices.
EPI for the groups of “vegetable products” and “mineral products” had the highest rise among main groups (19.8%) and that of “stone products” had the lowest EPI growth (13.4%) compared with the month before.
“Vegetable products” EPI increase is mostly thanks to price rise in products, including pistachio (27.6%), raisin (11.7%), saffron (9.3%), licorice extract powder (16.4%), dates (5%) and almond (16.4%).
The price rise of liquefied propane (26.1%), liquefied butane (20.7%), cement (17.8%), copper concentrate (16.4%), bitumen (19.2%), paraffin wax (12.6%) and engine oil (7.1%) led to the increase in “mineral products” EPI.
The highest year-on-year increase of EPI was registered for chemicals and related industries with 350.7%, followed by the exclusive group of petrochemicals with 309.5% rise. The lowest year-on-year rise in EPI was registered for “textiles” with 167.9%.
Iran’s exports, excluding crude oil, mazut, kerosene and suitcase trade, hit 67.36 million tons worth $27.22 billion, indicating a 1% decrease in weight and a 13% increase in value year-on-year, the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration reported.
