What al-Maliki's PM bid tells us about Iraq
By Dr Renad Mansour for Chatham House. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. What Nouri al-Maliki's prime minister bid tells us about Iraq The surprise return of the controversial former leader has revealed that Iraq is still a US-Iran battleground. Click here […]
Iraq Sets New Mechanisms for Customs Value Calculation
By John Lee. Iraq's General Customs Authority has approved new mechanisms for calculating the customs value of imported goods. The mechanisms will be applied across all customs centres and include the following measures: Adoption of the customs value stated in duly declared commercial invoices submitted under the advance declaration system, supported by bank transfers, at […]
Iraq Improves Ranking in Corruption Perceptions Index
By John Lee. Transparency International has said that Iraq has improved its ranking and score in the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2025. From a total of 182 countries, Iraq came in at number 136, up 4 places on the previous year. And from a score of 16 in 2013, 2014 and 2015, Iraq […]
KRG Payments Move to Digital Platform
By John Lee. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched the e-Psule platform, a unified digital system for issuing government payment receipts, as part of efforts to modernise public financial services and reduce reliance on cash-based and paper processes. The platform has been officially approved by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and is designed […]
Iraqi Cement Plants Report Higher 2025 Output
By John Lee. The General Company for Iraqi Cement, part of Iraq's Ministry of Industry and Minerals, has reported a notable increase in production across several of its plants during 2025. According to the company, the Babil Cement Plant recorded production growth of more than 13 percent compared with 2024, driven by higher output of […]
Hyundai Livart to build Facilites at Seawater Treatment Plant
By John Lee. South Korea's Hyundai Livart has reportedly won a contract worth KRW 117.8 billion [$80 million] to build worker accommodation, offices and other infrastructure at Iraq's Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP) in Basra. According to Maeil Business Newspaper, Hyundai Livart secured the contract through a competitive bidding process against several Middle Eastern construction firms. […]
$225m EPCOM Deal for Iraq's Naft Khana Oilfield
By John Lee. China Oil HBP Science & Technology Co., Ltd. has signed an EPCOM [Engineer, Procure Construct, Operate and Maintain] contract worth $225,218,000 for the Naft Khana oilfield rehabilitation project with NK Petroleum Company Limited and its Iraq branch. The contract covers engineering, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance services aimed at restoring crude oil […]
Gulfood 2026 Delivers Record Global Trade Impact
Two Mega Venues, One Commercial Powerhouse: Gulfood 2026 Delivers Record Global Trade Impact Five days of deal-making, buyer engagement and market expansion positioned Gulfood 2026 as the world's most powerful food trade platform In January 2026, Dubai made global exhibition history as Gulfood, the world's largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, successfully delivered a […]
S&P Affirms Iraq at 'B-/B'; Outlook Stable
By John Lee. S&P Global Ratings has affirmed its 'B-' long-term and 'B' short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Iraq. "The outlook is stable," it added. More details, including economic stats, here. (Source: S&P Global Ratings)
Protest Over New Customs Tariffs in Iraq
From Kurdistan24. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Traders Shut Markets Across Iraq in Protest Over New Customs Tariffs Widespread strikes erupt in Baghdad, Mosul, Kirkuk, and Basra as merchants warn of soaring prices, collapsing trade, and growing social unrest. Click here […]
Fatality and Injuries Reported After Refinery Fire
By John Lee. A fire that broke out in a compressor unit at the Salah 2 refinery in Baiji has been brought under control, with refinery operations stabilised shortly afterwards. The incident began at approximately 19:45 on Monday, with safety and firefighting teams bringing the fire under control by 20:00. All containment operations were completed […]
Epstein Papers: Norway's Ambassador to Iraq Steps Down
By John Lee. Mona Juul has stepped down from her role as Norway's Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, following discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an ongoing investigation into her knowledge of, and contact with, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Ministry had already relieved Juul of her duties while it examines documents […]