UK exports to Iran up 118% in May: Eurostat

TEHRAN,July 21(MNA) – The UK exported €11.33 million worth of goods to Iran in May, a 118 percent rise compared to April, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Imports from Iran rose by 18 percent and hit €5.34 million. Exports from the UK to Iran amounted to €34.91 million in the first five months of 2013, indicating a 27 percent fall compared to the same period in 2012. Meanwhile, Iran’s exports to the UK hit €17.51 million, showing 85 fall compared to the same period in the past year. Trade between Iran and the UK rose sharply in the past Iranian calendar year, which ended on March 20. The UK was the 21st major exporter to Iran and the 10th among European countries. Agricultural and pharmaceutical products were the main goods imported from the UK, while carpet, steel products, dates, and saffron were the main goods exported to the UK. Iran’s non-oil trade with outside world hit $94.8 billion in the past Iranian calendar year, which ended on March 20, Iranian Customs Administration Director Abbas Memarnejad said. Non-oil exports stood at $41.5 billion, while imports amounted to $53.3 billion in the past year, he added. According to official statistics, the figures were $43.7 billion and $61.7 billion, respectively, in the calendar year which ended in March 2012.