BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18
By Elnur Baghishov - Trend
Iran's exports of products exceeded imports three times in terms of weight since the beginning of the 12th month of the current Iranian year (February 20, 2020), said Spokesman for Iran's Customs Administration Rouhollah Latifi, Trend reports with reference to Iran's Customs Administration.
According to Latifi, Iran exported 7.07 million tons of products worth $2.23 billion via borders that are still open, mainly by sea, from February 20 to March 15.
Latifi added that Iran imported 2.4 million tons of products worth $3.06 billion over the same period.
The official said that import and export operations continue despite some restrictions on land borders with Turkey and Iraq as a result of coronavirus spread.
During 11 months, Iran exported 125 million tons of products (except for oil, mazut and white oil) worth $38.5 billion and imported 32 million tons of products worth $40 billion, the administration said.
Within this period, Iran's exports increased by 17.61 percent in terms of weight and decreased by 4.48 percent in terms of value compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, Iran's imports increased by 10.84 percent in term of weight and by 2.31 percent in terms of value compared to the same period in the previous year.
Iran is one of the countries heavily affected by the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 17,300 people have been infected, 1,135 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 5,700 have reportedly recovered from the disease.
The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.