Financial Tribune - Iran's overall non-oil foreign trade (except crude oil, mazut, kerosene and exports via suitcase trade) during the first five months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Aug. 22) stood at $35.53 billion, the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration reported.

Compared with $38.2 billion registered in last year's corresponding period, the new trade data show a 7% decline.

Overall, Iran’s exports stood at 60.73 million tons worth $17.8 billion during the period to register a 29.86% growth in weight but a 9.14% decrease in value compared with the same period of last year.

Imports hit 14.12 million tons worth $17.73 billion during the same period, indicating a decline of 0.11% in weight and 6.83% in value year-on-year.

The above figures show the country recorded a non-oil trade surplus of $70 million.

China, Iraq, Turkey, the UAE and Afghanistan were Iran’s main export destinations over the period.