THE IRAQI ECONOMY IS UNDER THREAT. AN EXPERT WARNS OF THE REPERCUSSIONS OF RELYING ON OIL
Economic expert Faleh Al-Zaidi warned on Tuesday of the repercussions of Iraq’s continued reliance on oil revenues without taking actual steps to diversify the national economy, stressing that this approach makes the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets.
Al-Zaidi explained in a statement to the Al-Maalouma Agency that “oil revenues are by nature subject to fluctuations in the international market and are beyond the direct control of the Iraqi government,” noting that “global political factors often affect oil prices.”
He pointed out that “the trade policies pursued by former US President Donald Trump, including the imposition of tariffs, contributed to an economic recession that affected several countries, including Iraq.”
Al-Zaidi added that “the success of the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran will have a positive impact on the region, but it has two contrasting effects on Iraq. On the one hand, lifting sanctions on Iran may contribute to increasing oil production and improving gas supplies, which would address some of the electricity shortage problems in Iraq. On the other hand, the increase in oil supply may lead to lower prices.”
He stressed the need to “diversify the Iraqi economy and develop alternative sources of income,” warning that “continued reliance on oil will force the country to resort to borrowing if global prices decline.”
It’s worth noting that Iraqi oil prices fell today in conjunction with a decline in global oil prices as investors lowered their expectations for demand growth due to the ongoing trade war. Iraq has witnessed significant volatility in oil prices since Trump imposed tariffs on most countries around the world, causing a global economic recession.