Your partner for Iran: import and export enquiries by air and sea freight

Iran occupies a significant position because of its large population, oil and gas resources and strategic location. Its economy has long been affected by international sanctions. The sanctions relief implemented in January 2016 under the 2015 nuclear agreement belongs to a historical phase: EU nuclear-related sanctions were reimposed in 2025, and other restrictive measures also apply. Trade opportunities therefore require a current, shipment-specific assessment rather than an assumption that sanctions have ended.

The country’s major cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tabriz and Isfahan, have international airports. Bandar Abbas, on the Strait of Hormuz, is a principal seaport, has an international airport and connects with the country’s north–south railway. Abadan and Khorramshahr, on the Shatt al-Arab waterway, have also played a role in oil-related shipping. The existence of this infrastructure does not establish the availability or legality of a particular service.

A focused network with local partners

The Iran network described by Sea, Air, Transport & Service centres on partners at Bandar Abbas, an important interface for more than sea freight alone. From this gateway, transport planning can also cover other regions. Development of services between Germany and Iran depends on the applicable restrictions and the actual availability of carriers, routes and payment arrangements. As in other countries, local partners provide knowledge of local conditions and help assess suitable options. An offer can only be made after the goods, parties, intended use and route have been checked against current requirements.

Benefit from our logistics expertise

You can contact Sea, Air, Transport & Service about your transport requirements involving Iran. Our team can discuss your enquiry and the information needed to assess it. Use the contact form, email us or call us. Transport acceptance, customs handling and any quotation remain subject to current legal and operational checks.

Iran’s economy: historical background and 2014–2016 figures

Iran covers almost 1.7 million square kilometres and is one of the major countries of the Middle East. The earlier economic profile described a population of almost 75 million; this is a historical figure, not a current population estimate. Although market activity plays a role in the economy, state supervision and direction are significant. Many businesses are state-owned or controlled by religious foundations. Oil and gas resources and the associated petrochemical industry form a major economic base. Other important activities include vehicle manufacturing, textiles, metals and agriculture.

The historical profile described the effects of sanctions alongside domestic challenges, including high inflation and unemployment. It estimated GDP at approximately US$390 billion in 2015 and income per person at just under US$4,900, following earlier economic contraction. The 2015 nuclear agreement and the sanctions relief implemented in January 2016 had raised hopes of a recovery, including renewed oil and gas exports and further privatisation. Those expectations describe the situation at that time; they are not a statement of current sanctions relief or a guarantee that trade is permitted. EU nuclear-related restrictions were reimposed in 2025.

Estimated exports in 2014 were US$88.8 billion, mainly oil and gas, with China, India, Türkiye, Japan and South Korea among the principal destinations in that historical profile. Imports were estimated at US$65.4 billion and consisted mainly of machinery, electrical products and grain. The listed suppliers were China, the United Arab Emirates, India, South Korea and Türkiye. Trade with Germany was described as limited by sanctions. All of these trade figures are historical; current transactions require separate screening.

Selected airports and seaports in Iran: