Iraq takes measures to increase local flour production

Iraq is taking steps to boost local wheat production and reduce reliance on imports by selling wheat to licensed mills at import prices and imposing a gradually increasing customs tariff on imported flour. The International Grains Council predicts a decade-low in flour imports in 2024-25, although Iraq will remain the world's second-largest flour importer. The government also plans to supply flour to social welfare beneficiaries and protect local flour products. Wheat imports are expected to drop as domestic production increases, and barley and corn production is also projected to rise.

Traditionally a major importer of wheat flour, Iraq is taking measures to boost its local production and reduce reliance on imports. The government has approved the local sale of wheat to licensed public and private mills at prices equivalent to the import price and imposed a gradually increasing customs tariff on imported flour. As a result, the International Grains Council (IGC) said flour imports in 2024-25 are estimated to drop to a decade low. Still, the country is expected to remain the world’s second largest importer of flour. Wheat imports also are expected to drop from last year and the five-year average as domestic production increases. Agriculture is a significant part of Iraq’s economy, accounting for about 10% of gross domestic product and employing 8.4% of the workforce. About 22% of the country’s land mass is suitable for agriculture production but only 5 million hectares are cultivated, according to the World Food Programme. A large portion of the agricultural ...