Strong Rise in Exports Under Rouhani

Non-oil exports, excluding gas condensates, saw a 21% rise during the first four-year presidential term of Hassan Rouhani (started August 2013) compared with the previous government to reach $140 billion from $115 billion. Exports, including gas condensates, increased from $146 billion to $178 billion, indicating a 32% rise, IRNA reported. The growth owes greatly to the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear program, which opened global trade routes to Iran once again after years of restrictions. The sanctions began to roll back in January 2016 as part of a landmark deal the Rouhani government signed with world powers in 2015.