Iran posts over $2.5bn trade deficit for Apr-Nov

Figures published on Sunday showed that Iran’s total trade with the rest of the world in the eight months to November 21 had reached 131.054 million metric tons (mt) worth $76.537 billion, up 1.53% in volume but down 9.38% in value compared to the same period in 2024.

Iran’s non-oil exports amounted to $36.997 billion for 105.231 million mt of shipments in April–November, a decline of 3.48% in value but an increase of 1.17% in volume year-on-year.

Imports totaled $39.54 billion in the eight months to late November, with shipment volume down 14.29% from the same period last year, IRICA data showed.

However, import volume increased by 3% year-on-year in April–November, reaching 25.823 million mt. 

Iran has maintained a relatively strong level of trade over the past years despite facing a strict regime of US sanctions that limit its access to global shipping and banking services.

The country also came under a renewed regime of United Nations sanctions in September over disputes related to its nuclear program.

Experts say both US and UN sanctions have had a limited impact on Iran’s ability to conduct trade and may have even contributed to growth in some export sectors.

According to a Sunday report by IRIB News, Iran’s trade with its 15 neighboring countries, those with which it shares land or maritime borders, reached $44 billion in the eight months to late November./isna