Iran's major exporters retain most of unmet foreign‑exchange obligations

A recent report based on data from the State Inspection Organization shows that about €94 billion of export earnings have not been returned to Iran's official foreign‑exchange pool. The bulk of this shortfall is concentrated in a small group of large exporters: 225 firms with commitments over €50 million each hold €53 billion, while three state‑owned companies account for another €28 billion. An additional 2,827 exporters hold €35 billion, meaning roughly 3,052 entities are responsible for about €88 billion of the total unmet obligations. By contrast, 17,624 smaller exporters together retain only €6 billion.

Economists note that Iran's external relations heavily influence inflation and growth. Sanctions, trade restrictions, and external shocks such as oil‑price declines create supply‑side pressures that simultaneously raise consumer prices and depress real‑sector activity. Improved diplomatic ties are seen as a potential lever to ease inflation and stimulate economic expansion, while deteriorating relations exacerbate currency shortages and market volatility.