Kurdish Policy Analysis

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan — 31 May 2026  Despite escalating regional conflict, shipping disruptions, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq continues to safeguard food security through alternative trade routes, with a major U.S. rice shipment arriving via Jordan's Aqaba Port. A shipment carrying 44,000 tons of US rice designated for Iraq arrived at Jordan's Aqaba Port on Sunday despite shipping disruptions and maritime restrictions affecting regional trade routes, Iraq's Ministry of Trade stated. Lama Hashem Al-Moussawi, Director General of the State Company for Foodstuff Trading, noted that the company continues to implement its 2026 distribution plan for the food basket and social welfare programs, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential food items.  She added that “the company is closely monitoring shipping and unloading operations while coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the timely delivery of supplies to warehouses a...

  Baghdad is celebrating a massive trade surplus in 2025, but behind the billions lies a fragile oil-dependent economy increasingly exposed to geopolitical shocks, import addiction, and structural instability. By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan — 18 May 2026  Iraq’s reported $25 billion trade surplus in 2025 highlights the strength of oil exports, but economists warn the country’s growing import dependence and lack of diversification threaten long-term stability. Iraq’s Oil Wealth Is Still Flooding the Treasury The Central Bank of Iraq has reported that Iraq maintained a major trade surplus throughout 2025, with exports significantly exceeding imports despite falling oil prices and mounting regional instability. At first glance, the numbers appear impressive. Iraq continues generating tens of billions of dollars through crude oil exports, preserving its position as one of the Middle East’s most important energy economies. Oil exports remain overwhelmingly d...

Baghdad and Erbil see rising gold prices as demand and global trends push rates higher ERBIL, April 11 ( Kurdish Policy Analysis ) Gold prices in Iraq remained on an upward trajectory on Saturday, hovering around 1.03 million Iraqi dinars per mithqal in both Baghdad and Erbil markets, reflecting continued demand amid economic uncertainty. A market survey by Shafaq News Agency showed that gold prices rose across key trading hubs, with Baghdad’s main bullion market on Al-Nahr Street recording notable gains compared to earlier in the week. BAGHDAD MARKETS EDGE HIGHER In Baghdad, the selling price for 21-carat gold—covering Gulf, Turkish, and European imports— reached : 1,024,000 IQD per mithqal (5 grams) selling price 1,020,000 IQD buying price This marks an increase from 1,014,000 IQD recorded on Thursday, signaling steady upward momentum. Meanwhile, locally produced 21-carat Iraqi gold traded slightly lower: 994,000 IQD selling price 990,000 IQD buying price Retail je...

Sulaimanyah, Kurdish Policy Analysis --Despite rising global benchmarks, Iraq’s Basrah crude slips again—raising fresh concerns over pricing gaps, regional tensions, and export pressures. Basrah Heavy crude fell to $109.15 per barrel on Wednesday, dropping more than 2% despite a broader rise in global oil prices driven by escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East. Basrah Medium crude also declined in tandem, reflecting pressure on Iraqi export grades even as  international  benchmarks climbed on supply disruption concerns. Iraqi crude pricing varies by export destination: shipments to Asia are benchmarked against the average of Dubai and Oman crude, while exports to Europe are linked to Brent, and those to the United States are priced against West Texas Intermediate, each adjusted by market premiums or discounts. Oil jumps as war risks linger despite ceasefire signals Oil rose more than 1% on Wednesday, with Brent ‌futures extending gains after a record monthly...

     Iraq’s food imports from US exceed $140 million in 2025 March 24, 2026 BAGHDAD — Iraq ’s imports of American food and agricultural products rose sharply in 2025, surpassing $140 million, according to data released by the United States Department of Agriculture on Tuesday. The figures point to a deepening trade relationship between Iraq and the United States , with agricultural commodities—particularly soybeans—dominating shipments. Soybeans accounted for the vast majority of imports, with Iraq receiving 279,231 metric tons valued at $125.09 million. This marks a significant increase compared with the ten-year average of $24.82 million, reflecting stronger demand and shifting supply dynamics in the Iraqi market. In addition to soybeans, Iraq imported other U.S. food products, including spices and sauces, totaling 6,566 tons valued at $16.27 million. The data underscores the growing reliance of Iraq on imported agricultural goods to meet domestic consumption needs...