Wednesday, October 7, 2026English edition
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Country risk, from the local press

Iraq · Country watch

EU-Iraq Trade Talks, Network Theft Arrests Rise

Iraq advances WTO accession talks with the EU; telecom operators face increased network theft but report more arrests.

· · 5 sources

The picture Stable

Business conditions in Iraq remain stable as the country advances trade talks with the EU and addresses telecom network theft through increased arrests. The strong US dollar continues to impact import costs.

In this briefing STRIKE · Iraqi police · US dollar · Iraqi dinar · Mustafa Nizar Jumaa · Clemens Smettner · European Union · World Trade Organization · Ministry of Trade (Iraq)

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

  • telecom

Network Theft Arrests Increase Amid Rising Incidents

Network theft incidents targeting cell towers and other infrastructure have increased in Iraq in 2026, according to the Iraqi Media Network. However, local police and operators are making progress in addressing the issue, with more arrests being reported. The rise in thefts has prompted telecom operators to work closely with authorities to secure their assets and reduce service disruptions.

Impact Telecom operators face operational challenges due to increased theft but benefit from improved law enforcement efforts leading to more arrests.

Sources: Iraqi Media Network ↗

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • finance

US Dollar Remains Strong Against Iraqi Dinar

Current Federal Reserve Notes as of June 2018
Current Federal Reserve Notes as of June 2018 US Federal Reserve, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

The US dollar continues to trade above the 160,000-dinar mark in Iraq's parallel currency markets, maintaining Monday's gains, Iraqi News reports. This stability in the dollar's value affects trading hubs in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra. The strong dollar impacts import costs and purchasing power within the country, influencing economic conditions.

Impact Importers face higher costs due to the strong US dollar, affecting pricing and margins for goods brought into Iraq.

Sources: Iraqi News ↗

Trade

  • public-sector

EU-Iraq Trade and WTO Accession Talks Progress

Iraq's Minister of Trade, Mustafa Nizar Jumaa, met with EU Ambassador Clemens Smettner in Baghdad to discuss expanding trade and advancing Iraq's WTO accession. Jumaa urged the EU to support Iraq's bid to join the World Trade Organization, according to Iraq Business News. The meeting focused on enhancing trade and investment cooperation between Iraq and the European Union. The discussions are part of Iraq's ongoing efforts to integrate more fully into the global trade system.

Impact Iraqi exporters and importers could benefit from improved trade relations and WTO membership, facilitating easier access to international markets.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

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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