BAGHDAD: Agricultural exports from Iraq decreased seven percent to reach $200 million last year. The value of vegetable exports in tons decreased nine percent from 445,054 to 405,000 tons. Agricultural exports decreased 13 percent compared to 2014.
Real exports decreased by 14% last year in Iraq, compared to 2015, registering $2.1 billion, according to figures published by customs. This fall also included agriculture exports.
Exports also decreased 14 percent in terms of weight, registering 1.6 million tons last year. Naim Khalil, Chairman of the Syndicate of Fruits and Vegetables Exporters and Importers, said: “Agricultural exports have started dropping drastically since the closure of the Nassib border crossing in April 2015.”
According to customs, vegetable and fruit exports into Iraq dropped from 10,000 tons in 2015 to 5,000 ton last year. Khalil said that farmers used to export overland, but it is now done either in RoRo ships via Turkey, or from Kuwait, which are both very expensive.
Mounir Bissat, Chairman of the Industrial Exports Development Council at the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, said: “Producers are facing difficulties in exporting to Iraq, mainly because of customs barriers, as well transportation constraints.”
