Kurdish Policy Analysis

  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Iran is losing ground in Iraq as Turkey, China, and Syria expand their market share Iran is losing market share in Iraq to Turkey, China, and Syria as rising prices, weaker competitiveness, and logistical challenges undermine Tehran's exports. Rising prices, declining competitiveness, and logistical shortcomings are weakening Iran's position in one of its most important export markets. For years, Iraq has been one of Iran's most important export destinations and a critical source of non-oil revenue. However, new figures suggest Tehran is steadily losing its competitive advantage as regional rivals—including Turkey, China, and even war-torn Syria —expand their presence in the Iraqi market. According to EghtesadOnline, Iranian exports to Iraq are losing momentum, with business leaders warning that structural weaknesses inside Iran are eroding its long-held position in one of the country's most strategic commercial markets...

  By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj   While global attention remains fixed on oil exports, the real casualty of the Hormuz crisis may be Iraq's grassroots trade with the Gulf—and Türkiye stands ready to benefit. The Strait of Hormuz crisis is disrupting Iraq-GCC trade beyond oil, pushing businesses toward Türkiye and reshaping regional supply chains. When analysts discuss the consequences of a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the conversation almost always revolves around oil exports, naval deployments, and global energy markets. Yet one of the most significant consequences may be unfolding far from the headlines—in the warehouses, logistics hubs, and wholesale markets that underpin Iraq's commercial relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The disruption of maritime traffic through Hormuz is exposing a structural weakness in Iraq's economic integration with the Gulf. While governments continue to sign memoranda of understanding and announce billion-dollar inv...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj Kurdish Policy Analysis Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi convenes Iraqi-Turkish business leaders as Baghdad accelerates economic reforms, cross-border trade, and strategic investment ties with Ankara. Iraq and Turkey are strengthening economic ties through investment, trade facilitation, and business cooperation, signalling a new phase in their strategic partnership. Iraq and Turkey Deepen Economic Alliance Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi chaired the Iraqi-Turkish Roundtable on Tuesday, bringing together senior government officials and a large delegation of Turkish business leaders in a meeting that underscored Baghdad's determination to deepen economic integration with one of its most important regional partners. While the meeting focused on investment opportunities and trade facilitation, its broader significance extends far beyond commerce. As Iraq seeks to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil revenues, and position itself as a re...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis    From consumer goods and construction materials to renewable energy and industrial equipment, Chinese products have become deeply embedded in the Kurdistan Region's economy, reshaping trade patterns and business competition. Chinese products dominate many sectors of the Kurdistan Region's economy, raising opportunities for growth while increasing dependence on imports and global supply chains. How China Is Dominating the Iraqi Kurdistan Market Walk through almost any market, shopping mall, industrial zone, or construction site in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and one trend quickly becomes apparent: Chinese products are everywhere. From smartphones and household appliances to solar panels, generators, heavy machinery, clothing, furniture, and automobiles, China has become the dominant supplier of manufactured goods to the Kurdistan Region. While Turkey and Iran remain major trading partners because of geography, China has q...

By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis    As one of the world's largest energy importers, South Korea closely follows developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, viewing both as increasingly important partners for energy security, reconstruction, and economic cooperation. South Korea's relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region is driven by energy security, infrastructure investment, construction, and growing economic cooperation. South Korea's Strategic Relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region South Korea's relationship with Iraq has evolved far beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship in the energy sector. As one of the world's largest importers of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, Seoul closely monitors political, security, and economic developments across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, whose vast hydrocarbon reserves remain essential to global energy markets. While South Korea's official relations are with the federal ...