Mohammad Lahouti says the new restricting regulations had also covered the exports of zinc and lead products, based on which the commodities had to go through paperwork and permit-taking from the Turkish consulate in Iran.
“This led to long lines of trucks stranded at the border, inflicting significant unnecessary costs upon the exporters,” Lahouti added. Then the “issue was followed up by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, which realized after enquiring from the Turkish Embassy in Tehran that some misunderstanding was behind the problem.”
The same, Lahouti said, exists for exports to China. “But the Chinese problem is different and is due to government regulations in combating money laundering and FATF implementation, by which the Chinese government is trying to make sure that payment is done through proper channels and ends up in the Iranian market.”
In some cases Iranian products are being exported through UAE departure points. In those cases there have been obstacles with regard to payment and “the matter has become even more complicated with the new Chinese rules.” “Some believe that the new Chinese restrictions are a result of pressure from the United States government,” Lahouti commented.
