MNA � Imports of banana into the country witnessed a significant 38% slump in the eight months of the current year (March 21 � Nov. 21) as compared to the last year�s corresponding period.

The latest statistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) show that 289,921 tons of fresh or dried banana, valued at about $257.560 million, were imported into the country in the same period.

In this regard, banana imports into Iran accounted for 1.35 and 0.87 percent share of Iran�s total imports respectively, IRICA reported.

In addition, 468,186 tons of banana, valued at $360.599 million, were imported into the country in the eight months of the last Iranian calendar year (March 20 � Nov. 20, 2017), showing a significant 38.08 and 28.57 percent decline in terms of weight and value respectively, IRICA ended.