Iran is facing difficulties in its cement exports to Iraq, including issues with costs, weight of exports and transportation, according to Ali Mohammad Bod of the Tehran Cement Co and cited by Trend News Agency.

“The volume of cement exports has been reduced while the volume of clinker has increased," he said, because the price of clinker is based on the supply and demand.

In addition transportation by land and sea have also increased and caused certain issues, Mr Bod told the news agency. "The export of cement per tonne would bring around US$30 in revenues, while each tonne of clinker – US$18. So, it is possible to have the figures increase, depending on the border the exports come from," Bod said.