Since the beginning of the fiscal 2021-22 (started March 21), 68,789 tons of goods worth $79.79 million were imported via Bazargan border terminal.
The figures stood at 2,736 tons worth $17.48 million in the same period of last year due to movement restrictions related to coronavirus, according to a local official, Mojtaba Bazgir.
The imported goods include industrial machinery, cast iron, iron and steel, aluminum, transportation vehicles, paint, adhesives, rubber and fabric, IRNA reported.
Bazargan is one of the three border crossings for trade between Iran and Turkey, which is active around the clock.
Located in the north of West Azarbaijan Province, it is considered a gateway to European countries. It is situated one kilometer from the city of Bazargan in the city of Maku in West Azarbaijan.
Established in the fiscal 1926-27, Bazargan customs is the only international border between Iran and Turkey that works round the clock.
Out of Iran’s 22 border crossings, five, namely Bazargan in Maku, Razi in Khoy, Sarv in Urmia, Sanam Baqi in Poldasht and Tamarchin in Piranshahr, are located in West Azarbaijan Province.
To stem the spread of Covid-19, Turkey in March last year shut its border gates with neighboring countries, including Iran and Iraq.
The Bazargan border initially opened for trade in May 2020, but restrictions were applied regarding incoming and outgoing truck traffic.
According to Spokesman of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration Rouhollah Latifi, 60 Iranian trucks per day were allowed to transfer exports to Turkey from Iran as per new agreements as of May 5.
Presently, more than 400 trucks reportedly cross the border daily.
Trucks started arriving at border gates after Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan announced in June last year that Turkey has reopened the Gurbulak border gate with Iran (known as Bazargan on the Iranian side of the border).
Trucks from Iran started arriving at the Gurbulak customs gate after the announcement and were to enter Turkey after the completion of necessary procedures. Turkish trucks looking to enter Iran also started arriving at the border gate.
Strict measures such as imposing lockdowns and closing borders deeply affected the country's exports, particularly to Europe, its top export market, and the Middle East.
