Iraq Major Exports
Iraq, located in the Middle East, is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly oil and gas, for its export economy. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of petroleum, and its exports play a vital role in driving its economy. Despite challenges such as political instability and infrastructure issues, Iraq’s export sector remains a crucial element in its economic structure. Below is an overview of Iraq’s major exports and their respective trade values.
Major Export Categories
1. Crude Oil
Crude oil is by far the most significant export for Iraq, accounting for the majority of the country’s export revenues. Iraq is one of the top oil producers in the world, with vast oil reserves primarily located in the south of the country and the Kurdish region. The export of oil is critical to Iraq’s economy, supporting much of its government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
- Trade Value: Crude oil exports contribute approximately $50 billion annually to Iraq’s export revenue.
- The major markets for Iraqi oil include China, India, South Korea, and other countries in Asia, along with some European countries.
Key Products:
- Crude Oil: The country exports large quantities of crude oil, which is processed into refined petroleum products in international markets.
- Oil Derivatives: Iraq also exports some refined petroleum products, although crude oil remains its primary export.
2. Petroleum Products
While crude oil dominates Iraq’s exports, the country also exports some refined petroleum products, which are produced from the raw crude oil. These products include gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel, which are in demand in both regional and global markets.
- Trade Value: Petroleum products contribute around $2 billion annually to Iraq’s export revenue.
- The primary markets for these products include neighboring countries like Jordan, Turkey, and some countries in the Middle East.
Key Products:
- Gasoline: Iraq exports gasoline, primarily to regional markets, where it is used for domestic consumption and transportation.
- Diesel and Jet Fuel: Other significant exports include diesel and jet fuel, which are in high demand for industrial and aviation use.
3. Natural Gas
Iraq has significant reserves of natural gas, which it primarily produces as a by-product of its oil extraction process. Although the country has not fully developed its natural gas infrastructure, it has started to expand its exports of natural gas and related products, particularly to regional markets.
- Trade Value: Natural gas exports contribute around $1 billion annually to Iraq’s export economy.
- Major markets for Iraqi natural gas exports include Turkey, and there is increasing interest from neighboring countries in the Middle East.
Key Products:
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Iraq is beginning to export small amounts of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to regional markets.
- Natural Gas Products: The country also exports processed natural gas used for electricity generation and industrial purposes.
4. Agricultural Products
Despite the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, Iraq has a long history of agriculture, producing a variety of crops. The country’s agricultural exports are growing, especially in regions where irrigation is available.
- Trade Value: Agricultural exports contribute approximately $1.5 billion annually to Iraq’s export revenue.
- Major export markets for Iraqi agricultural products include neighboring countries such as Jordan, Turkey, and the Gulf States.
Key Products:
- Dates: Iraq is one of the world’s largest producers of dates, and the export of dates remains a key agricultural export.
- Fruits and Vegetables: The country also exports various fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and citrus fruits, mainly to regional markets.
- Wheat: Iraq produces wheat and other grains, exporting small quantities to neighboring countries.
5. Chemical Products
The chemical industry in Iraq is still developing, but the country produces and exports a range of chemical products. These include fertilizers, which are used in agriculture, and petrochemicals, which are derived from its oil and gas sector.
- Trade Value: Chemical products contribute around $1 billion annually to Iraq’s export economy.
- Major markets for Iraqi chemical exports include countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE.
Key Products:
- Fertilizers: Iraq exports fertilizers, particularly those used in agriculture, such as ammonium nitrate and urea.
- Petrochemicals: The country exports various petrochemical products, including chemicals used in industrial processes and plastics production.
6. Textiles and Apparel
The textile and garment industry in Iraq is relatively small compared to other sectors, but the country exports textiles and apparel primarily to neighboring countries in the Middle East. Iraq has been working to improve its manufacturing sector, including textiles, to reduce its dependence on imports.
- Trade Value: Textiles and apparel contribute around $500 million annually to Iraq’s export revenue.
- Major export markets include Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and other regional markets in the Gulf.
Key Products:
- Clothing: Iraq exports clothing, including traditional garments, uniforms, and basic apparel, to neighboring markets.
- Textile Fabrics: The country exports various types of textiles used in clothing and home goods.
7. Construction Materials
Iraq has experienced significant reconstruction efforts in recent years, and the country has begun to export construction materials. This includes cement and other building products that support infrastructure projects both domestically and in neighboring countries.
- Trade Value: Construction materials contribute approximately $500 million annually to Iraq’s export revenue.
- Major export markets include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other neighboring countries undergoing construction and reconstruction projects.
Key Products:
- Cement: Iraq exports cement, used in the construction of buildings and infrastructure projects in neighboring countries.
- Building Materials: The country also exports other construction materials such as tiles, concrete, and aggregates.
Iraq’s export economy is heavily dependent on its oil and natural gas sector, with crude oil being the primary contributor to its export revenue. However, the country has seen some diversification in its exports, with agricultural products, chemicals, and construction materials also playing important roles. Despite challenges related to political instability and infrastructure, Iraq continues to maintain a strong position in regional and global trade markets, with efforts to expand non-oil sectors and strengthen its export base.
Top Products Exported by Iraq
Market Value: 69,748 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Crude Oil | 22,909,068 | 32.85 | 162.70 |
| 2 | Non Crude Oil | 241,776 | 0.35 | 87.56 |
| 3 | Aluminum | 25,019 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 4 | Refined Copper & Alloys | 23,980 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| 5 | Mixed Alkylbenzenes | 13,177 | 0.02 | 974.57 |
| 6 | Dates | 9,972 | 0.01 | 403.84 |
| 7 | Aircraft Engines | 5,229 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 8 | Sheep Skins | 3,947 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 9 | Uncombed Wool | 1,271 | 0.00 | 1,695.98 |
| 10 | Vegetable Saps & Extracts | 1,203 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 11 | Nitrogenous Fertilizers | 1,170 | 0.00 | -7.59 |
| 12 | Lead | 978 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 13 | Cow & Horse Hides | 856 | 0.00 | 4,204.04 |
| 14 | Water Heaters | 790 | 0.00 | 9,482.18 |
| 15 | Containers For Compressed & Liquid Gas | 773 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 16 | Raw Hides & Skins | 733 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 17 | Sulfur | 677 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 18 | Furnace Burners | 612 | 0.00 | 76,400.00 |
| 19 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 593 | 0.00 | 399.28 |
| 20 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 533 | 0.00 | 10.37 |
| 21 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 531 | 0.00 | 2,265.62 |
| 22 | Measuring or Checking Instruments | 518 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 23 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 486 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 24 | Plants For Pharmacy | 482 | 0.00 | 7,134.78 |
| 25 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 362 | 0.00 | 39,748.84 |
| 26 | Leguminous Vegetables | 359 | 0.00 | -61.86 |
| 27 | Organic Composite Solvents & Thinners | 289 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 28 | Cyclic Hydrocarbons | 278 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 29 | Alcoholic Beverages | 275 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 267 | 0.00 | 386.08 |
| 31 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 260 | 0.00 | 4,374.31 |
| 32 | Gold | 245 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 33 | Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters | 227 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 34 | Aluminum Waste & Scrap | 213 | 0.00 | -92.82 |
| 35 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 196 | 0.00 | -79.26 |
| 36 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 194 | 0.00 | 136.30 |
| 37 | Cereal Straw & Husks | 161 | 0.00 | -94.58 |
| 38 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 160 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 39 | Medicines in Doses | 155 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 40 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 149 | 0.00 | 26,639.39 |
| 41 | Passenger Vehicles | 145 | 0.00 | -9.96 |
| 42 | Mineral Substances | 140 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 43 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 116 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 44 | Polymers of Propylene & Other Olefins | 115 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 45 | Parts of Electric Motors | 105 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 46 | Ferrous Waste & Scrap | 97 | 0.00 | -60.71 |
| 47 | Fresh Fruit | 96 | 0.00 | -48.51 |
| 48 | Prepared Fruit | 92 | 0.00 | 334.52 |
| 49 | Ginger, Thyme & Spices | 85 | 0.00 | 4,879.81 |
| 50 | Petroleum Jelly | 82 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 51 | Knotted Carpets | 70 | 0.00 | -56.96 |
| 52 | Antiques > 100 Years Old | 66 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 53 | Cow &Horse Hides -No Hair | 62 | 0.00 | 286.59 |
| 54 | Sanitary & Toiletry Paper | 59 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 55 | Electric Light Equipment | 56 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 56 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 52 | 0.00 | 5,637.18 |
| 57 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 49 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 58 | Pumps For Liquids | 49 | 0.00 | -84.55 |
| 59 | Electric Lasers | 46 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 60 | Frozen Fruit & Nuts | 45 | 0.00 | 2,154.20 |
| 61 | Instruments for Measure & Check Flow | 44 | 0.00 | 3,803.78 |
| 62 | Paper Labels | 44 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 41 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 64 | Pigments Non-Aqueous For Paint | 36 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 65 | Lifting & Handling Machines | 35 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 66 | Piston Engines | 35 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 67 | Machine Tools For Forging | 34 | 0.00 | 292.52 |
| 68 | Knitted T-Shirts | 33 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 69 | Optical Lenses & Fibers | 29 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 70 | Monument Stone Articles | 28 | 0.00 | 20.49 |
| 71 | Parts For Electric Equipment | 25 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 72 | Coal | 24 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 73 | Articles of Plastics | 22 | 0.00 | -4.26 |
| 74 | Photographic Still Cameras | 22 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 75 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 22 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | Files, Pliers & Shears | 22 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 77 | Nuts | 21 | 0.00 | 542.51 |
| 78 | Video Recording Equipment | 21 | 0.00 | 36.92 |
| 79 | Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis | 21 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 80 | Fresh Vegetables | 20 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 81 | Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting | 20 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 82 | Marble | 20 | 0.00 | 81.79 |
| 83 | Non Tufted Woven Carpets | 20 | 0.00 | 73.43 |
| 84 | Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates | 19 | 0.00 | 84.92 |
| 85 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 18 | 0.00 | -96.35 |
| 86 | Tomatoes Prepared & Preserved | 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 87 | X-Ray Apparatus | 17 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 88 | Soft Drinks | 17 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 89 | Compasses & Navigation Instruments | 17 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 90 | Electric Motors & Generators | 17 | 0.00 | -31.56 |
| 91 | Electronic Tubes | 17 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 92 | Fork-Lift Trucks | 16 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 93 | Furniture & Parts | 16 | 0.00 | 1.56 |
| 94 | Books | 16 | 0.00 | -92.88 |
| 95 | Glazed Ceramic Flags & Paving | 16 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 96 | Microphones | 16 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 97 | Articles of Jewelry & Parts | 16 | 0.00 | 482.08 |
| 98 | Records & Tapes | 16 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 99 | Air Conditioners | 15 | 0.00 | 748.76 |
| 100 | Checks & Stamps | 13 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 101 | Potassic Fertilizers | 13 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 102 | Electric Water Heaters | 13 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 103 | Survey Instruments | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 104 | Engines & Motors | 12 | 0.00 | 1,667.00 |
| 105 | Fruit & Vegetable Juice | 12 | 0.00 | -72.65 |
| 106 | Work Trucks | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 107 | Waste of Paper & Paperboard | 11 | 0.00 | 146.98 |
| 108 | Salt | 11 | 0.00 | -95.06 |
| 109 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 10 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 110 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 10 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 111 | Animal Guts | 10 | 0.00 | -82.45 |
| 112 | Sand Blasting Machines | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 113 | Vans & Buses | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 114 | Iron & Steel Bars & Rods | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 115 | Hand Tools | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 116 | Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals | 8 | 0.00 | -61.29 |
| 117 | Grapes | 7 | 0.00 | -65.88 |
| 118 | Parts For Machine Tools | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 119 | Sheep Skins – No Wool | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 120 | Misc Carpets | 7 | 0.00 | 68.06 |
| 121 | Plastic Containers | 7 | 0.00 | -43.42 |
| 122 | TV Receivers | 7 | 0.00 | -61.35 |
| 123 | Glass Fibers & Articles | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 124 | Brooms & Mops | 6 | 0.00 | -60.99 |
| 125 | Original Sculptures & Statues | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 126 | Trucks | 6 | 0.00 | 106.44 |
| 127 | Apparatus For Photo Labs | 6 | 0.00 | -78.97 |
| 128 | Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 129 | Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials | 5 | 0.00 | -42.80 |
| 130 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 5 | 0.00 | -95.36 |
| 131 | Worn Clothing | 5 | 0.00 | 4.09 |
| 132 | Vinegar | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 133 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 4 | 0.00 | -97.45 |
| 134 | Knitted Sweaters | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 135 | Tufted Carpets | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 136 | Arcade, Table or Parlor Games | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 137 | Electrical Resistors | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 138 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 139 | Primary Cells & Batteries | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 140 | Lamps & Lighting Fittings | 2 | 0.00 | -82.20 |
| 141 | Bells & Ornaments | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 142 | Prefabricated Buildings | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 143 | Seats & Parts | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 144 | Candy | 2 | 0.00 | -92.10 |
| 145 | Perfumes & Toilet Waters | 2 | 0.00 | -38.20 |
| 146 | Notebooks & Business Forms | 2 | 0.00 | -64.26 |
| 147 | Food Preparations | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 148 | Office Paper | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 149 | Bicycles | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 150 | Natural Vegetable Fats & Oils | 1 | 0.00 | -72.06 |
| 151 | Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps | 1 | 0.00 | -98.67 |
| 152 | Pictures & Photos | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 153 | Dishwashing & Packaging Machines | 1 | 0.00 | -83.31 |
| 154 | Composite Diagnostic & Lab Reagents | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 155 | Dried Fruit | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 156 | Washing Machines | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 157 | Physical Exercise Equipment | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 158 | Hydrometers & Thermometers | 1 | 0.00 | 6.84 |
| 159 | Typewriter Ribbons | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 160 | Hand Paintings & Drawings | 1 | 0.00 | -36.66 |
| 161 | Buttons | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 162 | Glassware For Table | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 163 | Ink | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 164 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -93.10 |
| 165 | Non-Knit Track Suits | 1 | 0.00 | -93.86 |
| 166 | Bandages | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 167 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 168 | Tanks – > 300 Liter | 1 | 0.00 | -90.08 |
| 169 | Demonstrational Instruments & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 170 | Imitation Jewelry | 1 | 0.00 | -81.64 |
| 171 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 172 | Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates | 1 | 0.00 | -85.57 |
| 173 | Knives | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 174 | Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 175 | Spectacles | 0 | 0.00 | -95.82 |
| 176 | Knitted Womens & Girls Suits | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 177 | Plastic Tubes | 0 | 0.00 | -95.58 |
| 178 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 179 | Transister & Semiconductor Devices | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 180 | Engine Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -99.55 |
| 181 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 0 | 0.00 | -86.41 |
| 182 | Electromech Domestic Appliances | 0 | 0.00 | -98.57 |
| 183 | Leather Apparel & Accessories | 0 | 0.00 | -96.95 |
| 184 | Electrical Switching Boards | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 185 | Vulcanized Rubber Tubes | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 186 | Ceramic Statuettes | 0 | 0.00 | -81.89 |
| 187 | Aircraft Parts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 188 | Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China | 0 | 0.00 | -78.64 |
| 189 | Electric Ignition Equipment | 0 | 0.00 | -85.42 |
| 190 | Knitted Garments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 191 | Portable Electric Lamps | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 192 | Lubricating Preparations | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 193 | Pens & Mechanical Pencils | 0 | 0.00 | -99.95 |
| 194 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 195 | Sewing Machines | 0 | 0.00 | -98.43 |
| 196 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 197 | Organic Surface-Active Agents | 0 | 0.00 | -83.80 |
| 198 | Knitted Mens & Boys Suits | 0 | 0.00 | -89.89 |
| 199 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 200 | Refrigerators & Freezers | 0 | 0.00 | -99.78 |
| 201 | Pulley Tackle & Hoists | 0 | 0.00 | -99.95 |
| 202 | Filters & Centrifuges | 0 | 0.00 | -94.50 |
| 203 | Padlocks | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 204 | Ceramic Articles | 0 | 0.00 | -97.89 |
| 205 | Machine Tools For Working Wood | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 206 | Shawls & Scarves | 0 | 0.00 | -95.41 |
| 207 | Household Art & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -98.15 |
| 208 | Braids & Tassels | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 209 | Tube & Pipe Fittings | 0 | 0.00 | -98.81 |
| 210 | Blankets & Traveling Rugs | 0 | 0.00 | -98.68 |
| 211 | Beauty & Make-up Perparations | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 212 | Plastic & Rubber Footwear | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 213 | Glass Mirrors | 0 | 0.00 | -99.33 |
| 214 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 0 | 0.00 | -99.98 |
| 215 | Scissors | 0 | 0.00 | -99.87 |
| 216 | Leather Footwear | 0 | 0.00 | -99.99 |
| 217 | Sauces & Condiments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 218 | Vacuum Flasks & Vessels | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 219 | Chocolate | 0 | 0.00 | -100.00 |