Iran-Germany trade improved

The latest trade figures between Iran and Germany show an improvement in trade ties between the two countries despite the UN and EU sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, German media say.

Reports indicate Germany’s exports to Iran have reached near the two-billion Euros mark in the first half of 2010.

The figure represents a 14 percent rise in Iranian imports from Europe’s largest economy, compared to the same period last year.

“The trend is clear: the exports are growing faster. In particular, German machinery, chemicals and metals are in demand in Iran,” wrote the Handelsblatt, a leading German language business newspaper in a recent article.

Meanwhile, Iran’s exports to Germany have topped 280 million Euros within the same time span.

Experts say the boost in trade is mainly due to good finances of Iranian firms. Germany is Iran’s largest trading partner in the European Union.

Western countries led by the US have imposed unilateral anti-Iran sanctions in addition to the UN Security Council resolution adopted against the country in June. They accuse Tehran of pursuing a military nuclear program.

Tehran rejects the allegation, arguing that as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty it has the right to peaceful nuclear energy.

The allegations come despite assurances from the IAEA on the non-diversion of Iran’s nuclear activities.