TEHRAN: Iran exported $139 million worth of non-oil goods to Qatar during the seven months to October 22, registering a remarkable %117.5 increase compared with the same period last year, according to the latest data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.
Financial Tribune’s inquiries show that bitumen, food and agricultural products accounted for the largest portion of the exports. Bitumen exports amounted to $28 million, significantly higher than the export value of other commodities shipped from Iran to Qatar during the period.
Other than bitumen, tomato ($6.61 million), milk and cream ($4.1 million), cucumber ($3.9 million) and watermelon ($3.8 million) have been among Iran’s top exports to Qatar after a number of Arab states—led by Saudi Arabia—abruptly severed diplomatic relations with Doha early June and imposed a blockade on the Persian Gulf country, accusing it of supporting terrorist groups. The Qatari government has denied the accusation, blasting the blockade as unjustified and a violation of international law.
Iran’s main exports to Qatar in the last fiscal year (March 2016-17) including cement, pistachio and saffron, have registered slight growth this year though their share from total exports is not considerable anymore.
IRICA data indicates steady growth in the value of Iran’s non-oil exports to Qatar during the first four months after the Arab rift. Notably, the exports saw a significant growth during the month ending in October 22. Iran exported about $50 million of non-oil products to Qatar during the one-month period, which shows a five-fold upsurge year over year.
