The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that U.S. agricultural exports to Iraq reached $264.55 million in 2024, marking a 4% compound annual growth over the past decade. Despite this growth, Iraq’s agricultural sector continues to struggle to meet domestic demand, driving increased reliance on U.S. imports.
In 2024, Iraq imported 61.79 million, 118,470 metric tons), poultry meat and products (34.3 million), and condiments and sauces ($17.6 million).
Iraq imports nearly 90% of its rice needs, with U.S. rice remaining a preferred choice due to its high quality. According to the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA), while Iraq’s Ministry of Trade occasionally sources lower-quality rice from other countries, private sector demand for U.S. rice continues to grow, strengthening the trade relationship between the two nations.
This deepening import partnership underscores Iraq’s efforts to diversify its economy and improve infrastructure. However, the country’s heavy reliance on imports also highlights systemic challenges, including corruption, resource mismanagement, and agricultural inefficiencies. Without addressing these issues, Iraq remains vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
In contrast, the Kurdistan Region has implemented proactive policies aimed at sustainable agricultural development and economic self-sufficiency. As Iraq works to rebuild its economy, lessons from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) approach could play a crucial role in fostering a more resilient and food-secure future for the entire country.
Source: Kurdistan24
