Iraq halts grape and fig imports, allows cucumbers ahead of Arbaeen pilgrimage

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Economic Affairs Council on Monday approved a one-month suspension of grape and fig imports to support local agriculture, while authorizing continued cucumber imports amid seasonal shortages and rising demand ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage.

The temporary ban, requested by the Ministry of Agriculture, is part of a broader set of trade and fiscal measures. The Ministry cited the need to ‘protect’ Iraqi farmers during the peak harvest period for grapes and figs.

Meanwhile, the decision to allow cucumber imports followed a decline in local supply and anticipated pressure on food markets during the upcoming pilgrimage season, which draws millions of visitors to Iraq.

The measures were announced following a council session chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Planning Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim, and attended by the ministers of finance, trade, agriculture, industry, labor, and social affairs, along with other senior officials.

In other decisions, the council approved new estimated tax guidelines for 2025, including profit margin calculations for key sectors such as imports, exports, contracting, and various professions. The Ministry of Finance submitted the request based on recommendations from a specialized committee.

The council also approved increased costs for a Ministry of Transport project involving land acquisition and design of a new headquarters for the Iraqi Maritime Authority.

In addition, the Ministry of Health received approval to boost reserve funding for the construction of a forensic laboratory under the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

The council extended the operation of a national digital platform for government tenders and public announcements for another 60 days on an optional basis. The extension came at the request of the Ministry of Planning to allow further evaluation of the platform’s performance.