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CMA CGM ending service to Iran

French carrier follows withdrawals by Maersk, MSC.

   CMA CGM has decided to end service to Iran, according to a story by Reuters.
   The news service reported that Rodolphe Saade, the chief executive officer of the French carrier, said during an economic conference, “Due to the Trump administration, we have decided to end our service for Iran” and suspended its cooperation agreement with Iranian Republic of Iran Shipping Lines.
    In the wake of the announcement, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on European countries to do more to offset measures taken in May the U.S. to pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 international deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program and reimpose sanctions on the country.
   Deutsche Welle said Rouhani posted a statement on his website saying “European countries have the political will to maintain economic ties with Iran based on the JCPOA, but they need to take practical measures within the time limit,” Rouhani.
   Reuters said “Our Chinese competitors are hesitating a little, so maybe they have a different relationship with Trump, but we apply the rules.”
   MSC and Maersk also have announced plans to end service to Iran.

Chris Dupin

Chris Dupin has written about trade and transportation and other business subjects for a variety of publications before joining American Shipper and Freightwaves.