Tasnim � The total value of bilateral trade between Iran and China during the first eight months of the current year rose to more than $24 billion, the East Asian country�s customs data showed.

The value of trade transactions between Iran and China from January to August 2017 reached $24.17 billion, showing a 24 percent increase, compared to the same period last year, the latest data released by China�s customs office showed.

The bilateral trade between the two countries in the first eight months of 2016 had stood at $19.5 billion, according to the data.

In the first eight months of 2016, China had imported $9.3 billion worth of goods from Iran.

The value of Chinese imports from the Islamic Republic increased by 30 percent in the same period this year, reaching $12.13 billion.

China remains Iran�s top trade partner.

The value of trade transactions between Tehran and Beijing stood at some $52 billion in 2014.