$1.5b in Mineral Trade Surplus

According to the report of public relations of IMIDRO, Mineral imports during the same period stood at 1.83 million tons worth $1.3 billion, registering a 1% decline and 11% growth in tonnage and value respectively year-on-year.

Semi-finished steel and steel products took the lion’s share of exports in terms of value, as 3.3 million tons worth $1.17 billion were shipped overseas, up 9% in volume and down 19% in value YOY.

Iron ore followed with 5.67 million tons worth $311.6 million. The volume of shipments declined by 2%, as their value recorded a robust growth of 37%.

Copper and copper products came next with 249,435 tons valued at $232.8 million, down 12% and 39% in tonnage and value respectively.

Other exported Mineral commodities during the four-month period included cement with 5.38 million tons worth $196.05 million, aluminum with 117,822 tons worth $138.8 million tons, stones with 2.22 million tons worth $130.2 million, zinc with 69,968 tons worth $122.8 million, lead with 39,303 tons worth $56.6 million, ferroalloys with 9,744 tons worth $15.8 million, molybdenum with 1,460 tons worth $12.6 million, chrome with 75,338 tons worth $11.09 million, precious Mineral (gold, silver, etc.) with 28 tons worth $6.7 million, coal with 39,196 tons worth $5.01 million, titanium with 35 tons worth $74 million, antimony with 24 tons worth $27 million, mica with 28 tons worth $27 million, and “other minerals” with 3.41 million tons worth $418.1 million.

Meanwhile, crude steel and steel products had the largest share among Iran's imports of Mineral commodities, as 1.06 million tons worth $796.18 million were imported, down 19% and 6% in tonnage and value respectively YOY.

Aluminum followed with 226,965 tons worth $133.04 million, up 101% and 39% respectively YOY.

Iran is home to 68 types of minerals with more than 37 billion tons of proven reserves and 57 billion tons of potential reserves.

Source: Financial Tribune