TEHRAN, Iran, July 6
Trend:
The trade between Iran and France continues despite the decline of relations, said the head of Iran–France Joint Chamber of Commerce.
Mehdi Miremadi has discussed the latest trade situation between the two countries in an interview with Trend.
"The trade between Iran and France during 2011 was 3.6 billion euros that mostly included Iran's oil export; however, the trade volume has declined due to sanctions," Miremadi said.
"The two countries have increased their trade volume after signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, which reached its peak to 3.8 billion euros in 2017. Iran exports during this period amounted to 500 million euros and the biggest volume of the export was oil," the head of the chamber of commerce said.
"Similar figures were observed in 2017 and 2018; however, following the US withdrawal from the JCPOA the trade operations between the two countries reduced to 430 million euros, and part of this amount included payment for the old orders placed previous years," Miremadi added.
"It is expected that by the end of 2020 the trade between the two countries will reach 150 million euros, and Iran's share in the trade turnover will not exceed 40 million euros, according to French customs statistics," he said.
"Iran still imports auto spare parts from France, although the French automakers Renault and Peugeot are no longer operating in the country. Nevertheless, Iran annually imports spare parts worth up to 15 million euros to supply its auto market's needs. Iran also imports luxury goods from France," he added.
"Meanwhile, Iran continues to export carpet, nuts (except pistachio) and saffron to France," Miremadi noted.