The head of the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran announced that about 75% of Iran’s foreign trade by weight was conducted by sea last year, adding that the decline of around 34% in the first half of this year indicates that a considerable share of trade has continued through alternative routes.
Mohammad Ali Dehqan Dehnavi noted that the value of exports fell by about 20%, compared with a decline of 34% to 35% in trade volume. The smaller drop in export value suggests that higher-value goods have been better able to absorb additional transportation costs and remain economically viable for exporters, he explained.
He also warned that a decline in imports of raw materials, intermediate goods and machinery could affect domestic production, stressing the need to use alternative methods to facilitate the import of goods required by manufacturers.
Economic operators and relevant authorities have been working to maintain foreign trade flows despite higher transportation costs and difficulties along trade routes, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding economic stability and ensuring the continuity of trade under existing restrictions, he stated.