Iraq plans 3 million tons of ‘00 flour’ production to end imports

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Ministry of Trade announced Monday an ambitious plan to increase domestic production of double zero flour to 3 million tons, aiming to eliminate reliance on imports.

00 flour it is a finely milled variety prized for its smooth texture, making it ideal for bread, pasta, pastries and other baked goods.

Haider Nouri Al-Kar’awi, director general of the ministry’s Grain Trade Company, told the Iraqi News Agency that more than 300 mills currently produce flour under the government’s ration card system, while seven are dedicated to 00 flour.

The ration card system, administered by the government, provides essential food items—such as flour, rice, sugar and cooking oil—at subsidized prices to bolster food security.

“There are plans to increase the number of double zero flour mills to about 30 mills in the near future, which will allow Iraq to achieve self-sufficiency in this sector as well,” Al-Kar’awi said. He added that within one to two years, Iraq aims to produce 3 million tons of 00 flour locally, eliminating the need for imports from Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

On Nov. 7, 2024, Ministry of Trade spokesperson Mohammed Hanoun announced that Iraq had begun contracting with private mills to produce 00 flour as part of efforts to halt imports and conserve foreign currency reserves.

In 2024, Iraq produced a record 6 million tons of wheat, meeting its domestic demand and ending the need for wheat imports. With 5.5 million tons in reserve, the country can supply its population of 43 million, which requires 4.5 million to 5 million tons of wheat per year.