In 2017, Germany ranked second in terms of machinery exports to Iran, reaching 38 million euros, an increase of 87.3 percent compared to the previous year

However, in the first six months of 2018, German plastics and rubber machinery exports to the country amounted to only 15.4 million euros, 30.9 percent lower than in the first half of last year.

United States President Donald · Trump's decision to break the international nuclear deal and reimpose economic sanctions on Iran in May led to a sudden drop in exports.

Overall, imports of plastic and rubber machinery from Iran fell 13.4 percent year-on-year to 205 million euros in 2017.

Despite a decrease of 33.7 percent compared to 2016, China continued to lead in the export of rubber and plastic machinery to Iran with a high profit of 99 million euros.

While trade with Italy also fell by 16.4 million euros in 2017, 17.6 percent less than the previous year.

Canada, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea all saw strong growth in machinery sales to Iran in 2017, while traditional suppliers including Turkey and Austria all saw sharp declines in exports to Iran, down 10.7 percent and 62 percent, respectively.

Since 2015, the VDMA has been holding an "Iran Management Conference" for its members.

In May, the association said it supported EU moves to protect European companies from sanctions over their activities in Iran.

The EU moved on May 17 to reinstate the Blocking Statute, which protects EU companies from U.S. sanctions.

follows Washington's withdrawal from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal earlier last month.

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