German exports to Iran increased significantly at the beginning of the year despite stricter sanctions imposed on Tehran due to its support for Russia in the Ukraine war.

The Federal Statistical Office reported Thursday that exports grew by 22 per cent from January to February to €241 million ($257 million).

Imports fell by more than 13 per cent to €41.2 million.

At the beginning of the year, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products were mainly exported from Germany to Iran.

In January and February, the main imports from Iran were foodstuffs, especially pistachios and textiles, such as carpets.

Still, in terms of exports, Iran ranked 64th among Germany’s most important trading partners from January to February, behind Colombia and ahead of North Macedonia.

In terms of imports, Iran was ranked 91st.

There are severe restrictions on foreign trade with Iran in the EU.

Sanctions were last tightened in July 2023 due to Iran’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

In 2023, German exports to Iran fell by almost a quarter to €1.2 billion.

From 2019 to 2022, Germany still exported goods worth €1.5 billion to €1.6 billion to Iran annually.

Exports had previously slumped by 43.9 per cent from €2.7 billion in 2018 to €1.5 billion in 2019 after the U. S. withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran and imposed new sanctions.

(dpa/NAN)