Low trade between Thuringia and Iran - Thuringia's machinery exports to Iran surge twentyfold in 2025
Trade between Thuringia and Iran witnessed a notable increase in 2025. Exports surged by €19.1 million compared to the previous year, reaching a total of €24.3 million. This growth was primarily driven by a significant jump in machinery sales to the Middle Eastern country.
Machinery exports to Iran leaped from just €900,000 in 2024 to around €20.5 million in 2025. Despite this growth, Iran continues to be a minor trading partner for Thuringia, ranking 57th among its export markets. The state's largest trading partner, the United States, received goods worth roughly €2.1 billion in the same period.
No Iranian-owned companies or subsidiaries based in Thuringia contributed directly to the increased machinery exports. Official records indicate no such firms operating in the region.
By the end of 2024, Thuringia was home to 2,130 people of Iranian origin. Their presence, however, does not appear linked to the recent trade developments.
The rise in machinery exports signals a significant shift in Thuringia's trade with Iran. While the total value of exports remains modest, the growth underscores a new area of economic exchange. Iran's position as a trading partner, though still limited, has strengthened slightly over the past year.
