TEHRAN – Iran’s total non-oil trade reached $94 billion in the first 10 months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21, 2025-January 20, 2026), with imports outpacing exports and resulting in a trade deficit, according to data released by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA).

The customs figures showed that exports totaled $45 billion during the period, while imports stood at $49 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $4 billion.

The data provide a snapshot of the structure of Iran’s foreign trade, including the composition of major export and import items.

Natural gas ranked as the country’s top export commodity by value over the 10-month period. Around 3.97 million tons of natural gas, equivalent to 2.58 billion cubic meters, were exported. The average export price was reported at 29 cents per kilogram, or 19 cents per cubic meter.

The customs authority’s breakdown indicates that energy products continue to play a central role in export revenues, while import volumes kept overall trade in deficit territory.

Economists say a sustained trade gap could put pressure on foreign currency markets and broader macroeconomic stability, highlighting the importance of expanding non-oil exports, managing import flows and diversifying the export base to strengthen trade balance resilience.

EF/MA