Wednesday, September 23, 2026English edition
TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

Iraq · Country watch

Iraq Tightens Import Controls, Oil Exports Clarified

Iraq's Ministry of Trade introduces new import controls while oil export figures are clarified, affecting trade and energy sectors.

The picture Stable

Iraq's business conditions remain stable with new import controls and clarified oil export figures. The trade and energy sectors are directly impacted.

In this briefing Mohammed Hannoun · Ministry of Trade (Iraq) · Ministry of Oil (Iraq) · Central Bank of Iraq

Regulation

  • public-sector

Iraq Ministry of Trade tightens import controls

a tug boat in the middle of a body of water
Jordan Carns / Unsplash

Iraq's Ministry of Trade announced plans to tighten import controls and promote Iraqi exports in regional and international markets, according to Iraq Business News. Mohammed Hannoun, the ministry's spokesman, stated that the measures aim to regulate the import process in line with legal frameworks. The ministry seeks to balance domestic market needs with international trade objectives. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Iraq's economic position globally.

Impact Importers and exporters in Iraq face new regulatory conditions affecting trade operations.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • energy

Iraq clarifies September oil export figures

Iraq's Ministry of Oil clarified that the country's crude oil exports averaged 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in September, correcting reports that suggested exports reached 4 million bpd, according to Iraq Business News and Iraqi News. The Ministry explained that the 4 million bpd figure was an anomaly for a single day, rather than a monthly average.

Impact Energy traders and analysts adjust expectations based on corrected export figures.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗, Iraqi News ↗

  • finance

CBI reassures on foreign currency reserves

The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) confirmed that its foreign reserves are sufficient to meet all foreign currency demands, including trade financing and traveller cash requests, as reported by Iraq Business News. The CBI attributed recent exchange rate fluctuations to market dynamics rather than reserve shortages. This statement aims to dispel speculation about the adequacy of Iraq's foreign reserves.

Impact Lenders and importers in Iraq gain assurance on currency availability for transactions.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Iraq

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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