An estimated 512,000 tons of agricultural products and food worth more than $1 billion were exported during the first quarter of the Iranian fiscal year that started in March -- an 11% increase in volume and 17% rise in value compared with the corresponding period last year, according to the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture.
The main export items were pistachio, dairy products, pastry and chocolate, dates, tomatoes, apples and saffron.
The exports went to 100 countries with Iraq and Afghanistan being the main destinations.
Meanwhile, more than 4.2 million tons of foodstuff and agricultural products worth over $2 billion were imported during the same period, indicating a 7% and 6% decrease in volume and value respectively. The imports included strategic products, namely grains, oilseeds, raw vegetable oil and soy meal, IRNA reported.
