Vor einer Ölleitung stehen Fässer mit der Iran-Flagge besprüht.

Middle East: Impact on the German Economy

Military conflicts, closed airspaces, blocked transport routes: The developments in the Middle East since 28 February have significant consequences for German companies and are being closely monitored with great attention and concern.

The current conflict surrounding Iran exacerbates uncertainty for the German economy – far beyond the region itself. Companies face questions about employee safety, along with indirect effects related to energy prices, supply chains, and political risks affecting investment decisions.

"The economic consequences of the Iran conflict cannot yet be fully foreseen for German companies – but the risks are clearly increasing," says DIHK President Peter Adrian. Negative impacts are particularly evident through rising oil and gas prices as well as anticipated new supply chain problems.

Adrian Quote Iran

Around 1,800 German companies are active in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states – the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. For many companies, especially smaller and medium-sized businesses, this region is an important market and investment location. Accordingly, economic connections are very close.

In this dossier, we have compiled figures, facts, assessments, and practical information for companies, which we update continuously.

Key areas:
  • Foreign Trade

All articles of this dossier

Volker Treier sitzend gestikulierend 2022

Treier: Diversification in energy supply at all levels

What do the surging energy prices, triggered by conflicts in the Middle East, mean for the German economy and how can we counteract? Volker Treier, DIHK Foreign Trade Chief, clarified the situation in an interview with Deutschlandfunk.

Büroangestellte am Telefon und sucht Visitenkarte

Support services and information for businesses

Looking for up-to-date information on the situation or need support and advice? Find out here how the AHKs can assist you and where to access additional data and facts.

Karte vom Iran mit eingzeichneter Straße von Hormus

The Importance of the Region for Energy and Trade

The region is not only a crucial energy supplier but also holds great significance for worldwide logistics with its strategic trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as being a key air freight hub.

LNG-Tanker

Economic Consequences for Germany

What does the situation in the Middle East mean specifically for energy and logistics concerning German companies?

Arabischer Geschäftsmann schüttelt einem europäischen die Hand, zwei weitere Frauen und ein Mann umringen die beiden

Economic Relations Between Germany and the Middle East

Despite limited direct energy dependence, the region remains economically significant for German exporters and investors. We have compiled data on the Gulf region, Iran, and Israel.

Peter Adrian_Reaktion

"The risks are noticeably rising"

Peter Adrian, President of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), comments on the impact of the Iran conflict on German businesses

Date of publication 04.03.2026
Reaktion von Volker Treier

Developments in the Middle East Increase Economic Uncertainties

The DIHK Chief for Foreign Trade, Volker Treier, shares his opinion.

Date of publication 02.03.2026

Ansprechpartnerinnen

Strahl, Elisabeth_quad

Elisabeth Strahl

Director Middle East and North Africa

Trach, Rima_quad

Rima Trach

Director Global Activities AHK Boards and Network Culture

Maizieres, Louise

Louise Maizières

Director Hydrogen and International Energy Partnerships

Porträtfoto von Erik Pfeifer

Erik Pfeifer

Director Corporate Climate Protection

Fellinger, Julia_test

Julia Fellinger

Spokesperson

Löffelholz, Julia_test

Julia Löffelholz

Spokesperson