KRG lifts tomato import halt in response to rising prices and shortages

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government has lifted tariffs and import restrictions on tomatoes, primarily from Iran, in an effort to address rising prices and shortages, Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Begard Talabani announced on Wednesday.

“Following a decision by the Council of Ministers, we have taken action to suspend tariffs and the import ban on tomatoes,” Talabani said.

The measure aims to stabilize the supply of tomatoes for residents across the Kurdistan Region. “After conducting a thorough assessment of tomato production across all governorates and independent administrations within the Kurdistan Region, we found that the availability of this essential product in local markets was insufficient to meet citizens’ needs. Prices have also surged,” Talabani stated. “For the sake of public interest and in alignment with laws that protect and advance domestic agriculture, we decided to temporarily lift tariffs and restrictions on tomato imports.”

Talabani stressed that the policy balances the government’s commitment to support domestic farmers while addressing urgent market needs. “To achieve this goal, we have notified all relevant authorities to take the necessary administrative and legal steps to implement the policy effectively,” she added.

The KRG has periodically imposed import bans to promote domestic agriculture and support local farmers. In January, the KRG banned tomato imports, mirroring a federal government ban intended to protect farmers in the Kurdistan Region.

Earlier this week, Basra farmers demanded import controls to help their tomato crops.