China was Iran’s biggest trading partner during the eight-month period.
Non-oil trade during the eight months to November 20 stood at $55.5 billion. According to the latest report released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration, 81.76 million tons of goods worth $28.12 billion were exported during the eight-month period, registering a 6% rise in value compared to last year's corresponding period. Gas condensates were Iran's main export ($4.52 billion) in the non-oil category, accounting for 17% of total exports. They were followed by liquefied natural gases ($1.95 billion), light crude oil and its derivatives excluding gasoline ($1.06 billion), petroleum gases and liquefied hydrocarbons ($960 million), and liquefied propane ($763 million). China was the main importer of Iranian goods. Iran exported $5.011 billion worth of goods to the Asian country, 2% more than that during the same period last year. Other major export destinations included the UAE with $4.37 billion, Iraq $4.07 billion, Turkey $2.61 billion, and South Korea $2.14 billion. Exports to South Korea during the period indicate a whopping year-on-year growth of 708%.
Imports stood at 21.56 million tons worth $27.38 billion, which indicates a 1% rise year-on-year. The main imports included field corn ($874 million), soybean ($594 million), auto parts ($531 million), rice ($520 million) and motor vehicles ($459 million). Meanwhile, major exporters to Iran included China ($6.47 billion), the UAE ($4.68 billion), South Korea ($2.15 billion), Turkey ($1.76 billion) and Germany ($1.46 billion). Imports from China, the UAE, South Korea and Turkey fell by 5%, 11%, 12% and 14% respectively. However, imports from Germany increased by 25% compared to the same period last year.