Iran�s non-oil foreign trade during March 21, 2015-16 stood at $81.38 billion, according to the latest report of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.

Imports, including field corn, wheat, soybean, rice and soybean meal, amounted to $40.13 billion�down 22.77% compared with last year�s similar period. These mainly originated from China, the UAE, South Korea, Turkey and Switzerland.

Exports, which chiefly comprised petroleum gases and hydrocarbons, liquefied propane and bitumen, reached $41.24 billion, indicating a 16.3% drop compared with the corresponding period of last year. The decline in exports is largely blamed on a 52.88% fall in the export of natural gas condensates.

China, Iraq, the UAE, Afghanistan and India were the main export destinations.

The figures show non-oil exports to China and Iraq decreased by 23% and 4% whereas exports to the UAE registered a 21% growth. Afghanistan and India�s imports from Iran also rose 4% and 1% respectively.

By Financial Tribune