Iraq Moves to Curb Rising Egg, Poultry and Food Prices
Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture said on Saturday that it is continuing to monitor rising prices of food products in local markets, particularly eggs, in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and other relevant authorities. The ministry said government measures are being implemented to increase market supplies and help stabilize prices.
Ministry spokesperson Qusay Al-Khattab said the agriculture minister had called for swift action to address rising prices. He explained that the government had decided to suspend customs duties and taxes on imported eggs, chicken products and live livestock, following a directive from Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi. The measure aims to boost supplies in local markets and help bring prices down.
Al-Khattab noted that the ministry had previously introduced restrictions on imports of several vegetable crops, including eggplants, tomatoes and cucumbers, after domestic production recorded a surplus. The measures are intended to protect local producers and support Iraqi farmers.
He explained that seasonal crop surpluses typically last between 40 and 50 days. Specialized committees within the ministry’s Planning and Follow-up Department monitor production, marketing and wholesale market activity in Baghdad, including the Jamila, Al-Rashid and Al-Zubaini markets. Their reports help authorities assess available domestic supplies and determine when import restrictions may need to be lifted.
The spokesperson added that import decisions are based on domestic production levels and market demand to ensure a continuous supply of food products to consumers. He also pointed out that several crops are currently available in sufficient quantities.
Al-Khattab attributed some of the recent increase in food prices, particularly egg prices, to the rising US dollar exchange rate and factors associated with traders. He stressed that the ministry continues to monitor markets and implement measures under the direct supervision of the agriculture minister to support farmers, poultry producers and livestock breeders while helping maintain price stability.
He further stated that specialized committees track market prices, with daily price tables published on the ministry’s official website to monitor market movements and price fluctuations.
Al-Khattab concluded that coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and other relevant authorities would continue, with additional measures to be considered when necessary to balance the protection of domestic producers with consumers’ need for affordable food supplie
