Kirkuk traders protest ban on Turkish frozen poultry imports

KIRKUK — Dozens of poultry traders demonstrated outside their shops on Mosalla Street in Kirkuk on Sunday, denouncing a government ban on imports of Turkish poultry and related products.

The measure, announced last week, is already being enforced by economic security and health authorities, who inspected shops Sunday, seizing stock and in some cases destroying it. Under the order, Turkish poultry is to be confiscated immediately, while imports from Iran, Ukraine, Brazil, and other countries must be certified safe within 45 days or face disposal. Officials say the policy aims to support Iraqi poultry production.

Nearly 80 traders and shops in Kirkuk are affected, according to local merchants. “Without any reason, economic security, police, and health officers came down on our shops. As if we are trading in narcotics and crystal meth! They come with cameras and take videos,” said trader Haval Azaddin.

“Each of us has about 70 to 100 cartons of Turkish poultry that they confiscated under our names. Each of us employs about 20 workers, and their livelihoods are now at risk,” he added. “A two-kilogram Turkish bird sells for 6,000 dinars (about $4.20), while the Iraqi one costs 12,000 dinars (about $8.45). How can the citizen not be the first victim?”

Trader Abdullah Anwar said health authorities are also targeting other imports. “Turkish poultry is being confiscated and destroyed, but for Iranian, Brazilian, and Ukrainian poultry, they gave us 45 days to prove it is safe, after which it will also be destroyed,” he said.

He dismissed social media rumors that Turkish poultry was spoiled or expired. “Iraqi chicken in a carton costs 15,000 dinars (about $10.55) more than the Turkish ones. This is only so they can sell domestic products. But Iraqi producers don’t supply liver or other items that restaurants need,” he said.

Repeated attempts by 964media to reach the Kirkuk Chamber of Commerce for comment were unsuccessful.