Poultry and Egg Producers in the Kurdistan Region Face Bankruptcy Risk
The Iraqi Prime Minister's decision to postpone customs duties on imported goods and additional fees at checkpoints have left local producers in the Kurdistan Region in a difficult situation.
Although the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture stated that it supports production in the Kurdistan Region, the federal government's import policies and heavy fees at checkpoints have brought local producers to the brink of bankruptcy.
Ministry Statement and Contradictions
Dr. Mehdi Al-Jubouri, Undersecretary of the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, stated that projects in the Kurdistan Region have been registered and products reach central and southern Iraq with domestic status.
Al-Jubouri emphasized that the excess production in the region reduces dependency on imports and ensures market balance.
Effects of the Customs Duty Decision
The decision by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani [Note: Ali Falih Zeydi in source text] on October 8, 2026, to postpone customs duties on imported chicken, eggs, and meat products shook market balances.
Contrary to the expected drop in prices, this decision caused costs and prices in the market to rise.
Critical Role in Food Security
Firas Siddiq, General Manager of Animal Resources at the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, stated that the region plays a key role in the food security of all of Iraq.
It was announced that 350,000 tons of chicken meat and 22,000 cartons of eggs are produced annually in the region, filling a major deficit.
Producers' Cost Dilemma
Nazim Abdullah, President of the Poultry Farms Association, noted that feed costs make up 70 percent of the budget and a ton of feed has reached 1 million dinars.
Stating that the cost of producing one kilo of chicken is 3,000 dinars, producers demand the removal of heavy taxes at checkpoints.
Objection by the Regional Administration
Begerd Talabani, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources of the Kurdistan Region, sent an official letter to federal authorities for the review of the decision.
Providing feed and fuel support to farmers and removing fees at checkpoints were presented as urgent solution proposals.