Article Quote: "Sudani confirmed that non-oil revenues reached 14 percent after they were 7 percent," indicating that "unemployment decreased from 16.5 to 14.4, and the poverty rate decreased from 23 percent to 17 percent."
Article: "Masrour Barzani discusses regional developments with Trump's national security nominee"
Quote: "the two sides discussed the latest developments in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the region in general, and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and joint work to maintain security and stability in the region."
Iraq’s oil production projections for 2025-2026: TAQA platform analysis
Shafaq News/ Iraq's oil production in 2025 will reach approximately four million barrels per day (bpd) during the first quarter, the TAQA platform forecasted on Saturday.
The platform’s analytical review noted that if Iraq adheres to offsetting overproduction beyond OPEC+ quota agreements, production may settle at 3.880 million bpd.
With the reinstatement of 220,000 bpd from Baghdad's voluntary cuts, Iraq's oil production is projected to reach 4.012 million bpd in April 2025, with a net output of 3.892 million bpd after accounting for surplus production compensation.
In 2024, Iraq’s oil production averaged 4.254 million bpd in the first quarter, dropped to 4.214 million bpd in the second, and rose to 4.244 million bpd in the third.
The analysis projected Iraq's oil production to reach 4.024 million bpd in May 2025, with compensated output at 3.919 million bpd. In June 2025, production is expected to increase to 4.037 million bpd, with compensated output at 3.947 million bpd.
The report forecasted further increases, with July production reaching 4.049 million bpd (3.959 million bpd post-compensation) and August rising to 4.061 million bpd (3.971 million bpd post-compensation).
In September 2025, production is expected to reach 4.073 million bpd, with compensated output at 3.978 million bpd, completing the surplus compensation. In contrast, Iraq’s oil production in September 2024 dropped to 4.143 million bpd, declining further to 4.089 million bpd in October and 4.043 million bpd in November.
For October 2025, Baghdad’s production is expected to reach 4.086 million bpd, rising to 4.098 million bpd in November, with the highest output projected for December at 4.110 million bpd.
In 2023, Iraq’s average oil production decreased to 4.289 million bpd, down from the daily average of 4.439 million bpd in 2022, due to Baghdad’s commitment to OPEC+ production cuts.
Iraq’s Oil Production in 2026
The platform's analysis estimated Iraq's oil production in 2026 at around 4.431 million bpd, excluding adjustments for production cuts or voluntary reductions under OPEC+ quotas.
In January 2026, production is expected to total 4.122 million bpd, rising to 4.134 million bpd in February and 4.147 million bpd in March, with monthly growth of 12,000 to 14,000 bpd.
By August 2026, production is expected to reach 4.208 million bpd, stabilizing at 4.220 million bpd from September to December.
Exclusive: Iraq's economic outlook 2025 – optimism amid financial challenges
Shafaq News/ On Saturday, international economics expert Nawar Al-Saadi revealed future financial and economic expectations for Iraq as 2025 approaches.
Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Al-Saadi stated, "The economic and financial outlook for Iraq at the beginning of the new year is a mix of optimism and caution, largely dependent on a set of economic, political, and regional factors that directly affect the country's financial and economic stability."
"International estimates indicate an improvement in Iraq's economic growth rates. According to reports from the International Monetary Fund, the Iraqi economy is expected to grow by 1.4% next year, with a projected increase to 5.3% in 2025.
This growth reflects the economy's recovery after the challenges faced in recent years, particularly after the economic contraction of 2.2% in 2022. The economic growth will be mainly driven by the stability of oil prices and increased investments in non-oil sectors."
Al-Saadi pointed out that "there are concerns about the deterioration of the financial situation due to the expected budget deficit, which is anticipated to widen to 7.6% of GDP next year, compared to 1.3% this year.
This deficit is attributed to fluctuations in oil prices, the primary source of government revenue, complicating the economic situation due to the heavy reliance on oil, which constitutes about 90% of Iraq's revenues. Any decline in global oil prices could lead to severe financial pressures on the government."
"Other challenges relate to inflation rates, which are expected to rise slightly to 3.5% in 2025. This increase reflects the impact of financial pressures and internal economic challenges, including rising prices of goods and services due to increased production and import costs," he continued, adding, "In terms of oil production, Iraq is expected to maintain a high production level, with plans to boost production capacity to around four million barrels per day by the first quarter of 2025. However, the success of these efforts will depend on political stability and relations with OPEC, as well as achieving long-term investments in energy infrastructure."
Al-Saadi noted, "In the banking sector, the government aims to implement structural reforms to improve the efficiency of the banking system and increase transparency. These reforms are part of a broader vision to develop the Iraqi economy and diversify income sources away from excessive reliance on oil."
Concluding, Al-Saadi highlighted that "Iraq may be heading towards significant economic and financial events. The main challenge lies in the government's ability to manage these challenges effectively through balanced financial and economic policies aimed at enhancing economic stability and diversifying the economy to achieve sustainable growth."
The word 'shock' is not being just used freely. It is specific to what is about to happen to [the] monetary reform.
Once those auctions stop, many Iraqi citizens will start to ask more questions. It will shock most of the citizens that don't know what's going on.
It will shock parliament. It will shock the international markets as it travels in a basket. That shock wave that will restructure global finances and the American dollar will be put back on top as the ruler of all currencies on this planet. Mark my words.