Monday, February 9, 2026
How Iraq’s customs overhaul is reshaping trade and revenue dynamics
What began with cargo piling up at Iraq’s ports and border crossings is set to escalate into a nationwide confrontation on Sunday, February 8, as traders prepare to shut markets and stage coordinated protests against the government’s newly enforced customs tariffs. The move marks the most serious challenge yet to the tax measures, following weeks of clearance delays, provincial demonstrations, and mounting losses across the import sector, as merchants seek to pressure authorities into suspending or reversing the decision.
Organizers of the protests say traders and importers across several provinces plan to close wholesale and retail markets, halt clearance work at customs outlets, and suspend transport operations for the day. The actions are expected to affect major commercial hubs and border crossings, signaling a shift from localized objections to a coordinated, nationwide escalation.
The planned shutdown follows a gradual buildup of tension over recent weeks. Goods have remained stockpiled at ports and land crossings as clearance slowed sharply, while smaller protests and work stoppages have already taken place in multiple Iraqi provinces. Traders note the decision to escalate was driven by a lack of response to earlier warnings about mounting losses and supply disruptions.
Even before Sunday’s protests, trade flows had begun to falter, with importers reporting that containers have remained uncleared for extended periods, either because traders refused to proceed under sharply higher costs or because administrative bottlenecks clogged customs channels. The resulting congestion has driven up storage fees, transport charges, and delivery times, compounding financial pressure across the sector.
Customs authorities have defended their role in the process, stressing that they are implementing government policy rather than setting it. Thamer Qasim, Director-General of Iraq’s General Authority of Customs, told Shafaq News that the authority is “an executive body” with no mandate to suspend or delay decisions issued by the cabinet. He rejected claims of an unprecedented tariff hike, saying the core change lies in abandoning the long-standing flat-fee clearance system in favor of item-based assessment.
Read more: Explainer: Iraq’s updated customs tariffs, legal dispute, and market impact
According to Qasim, essential commodities remain exempt, while higher rates apply to selected categories such as vehicles, plastics, cleaning products, and electronics, with duties ranging between 10% and 65%. He cited customs revenues of 137 billion dinars (about $104.5M) in January as evidence that activity has continued despite disruptions and trader resistance.
Economists, however, argue that headline revenue figures mask deeper weaknesses. Speaking to Shafaq News, Ali Dadoosh estimated that total customs revenues in 2025 reached roughly 2.5 trillion dinars (around $1.9B), averaging more than 208 billion dinars ($159M) per month. By that measure, January’s intake reflects a shortfall of about 71 billion dinars ($54M), more than 50% below last year’s average.
The gap highlights a disconnect between policy intent and market reality, Dadoosh remarked, warning that higher tariffs combined with slower clearance are reducing throughput, weakening collections, and widening the gap between projected and realized revenues. To limit damage, he urged transitional measures such as capped fees for previously shipped containers, a short pause in enforcement, and a phased rollout.
Similar concerns were raised by economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi, who said in a post on Facebook that the sudden enforcement of new procedures has weighed heavily on commercial activity. Citing official data, he cautioned that the changes have contributed to a sharp decline in Iraq’s trade transactions with the outside world. Al-Marsoumi called for structured dialogue with chambers of commerce, arguing that a sector encompassing more than 350,000 businesses and over one million traders cannot absorb rapid cost escalation without knock-on effects on jobs and supply chains.
Read more: Delayed reform or fiscal shock? Iraq’s tax measures test state capacity
At the center of the dispute is the full rollout of the ASYCUDA customs management system, developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and used widely around the world. In Iraq, its adoption replaced a flat-fee clearance regime with item-by-item valuation across roughly 16,400 tariff lines, reducing discretion but dramatically increasing procedural demands. Traders say the timing and speed of enforcement, rather than the system itself, triggered the shock.
On the ground, traders describe a steep cost shock. Saeed Bassam, an importer, told our agency that container clearance costs have surged from about 3 million dinars (roughly $2,290) to more than 25 million dinars (around $19,100), describing the conditions at ports and border posts as unsustainable, with trucks stranded for weeks and backlogs expanding daily.
Traders also warn that the losses will not stop at their balance sheets. They note that higher clearance costs, storage fees, and transport delays will inevitably be passed on to consumers, particularly as supply bottlenecks tighten availability. With many goods delayed at entry points, they argue that price increases are already being built into market expectations.
Politically, the tariff enforcement has drawn criticism from lawmakers who view it as a short-term revenue fix with long-term risks. MP Mohammed Al-Khafaji said in a Facebook post that container backlogs are costing Iraq billions of dinars and cautioned that while traders absorb losses initially, the burden ultimately shifts to consumers through higher prices
JEFF : Maliki as a Distraction: Why Political Noise Masks Iraq’s Real Transition
Introduction: Confusion by Design
Studying Iraq right now is not easy—even for seasoned analysts. According to Jeff, the current environment is filled with unknowns, incomplete disclosures, and intentional noise.
The constant talk about Maliki’s possible return, stalled government formation, and perceived instability is not accidental. It is part of a calculated distraction strategy designed to obscure what is happening behind the scenes.
📌 Featured Snippet:
Political confusion in Iraq may be intentional, masking deeper transitions while controlling expectations about timing.
Why Iraq Feels Impossible to Analyze Right Now
Jeff points out a critical reality:
“There’s a lot of unknown information. There are things they’re not telling us.”
Key challenges include:
Delayed government formation
Conflicting media narratives
Emotional reactions driven by headlines
Lack of clear official timelines
This environment makes rational analysis difficult—by design.
Maliki’s Return: Why Jeff Calls It a Distraction
“His Foot Isn’t Even in the Door”
Jeff is direct: Maliki is not coming back.
From a strategic standpoint:
His return makes no political sense
It would destabilize progress already made
It contradicts international positioning
Instead, Maliki’s name is being used as political theater.
📌 Featured Snippet:
Maliki’s name is being used to project instability, not signal an actual return to power.
U.S. State Department Statement: The Hidden Confirmation
An article quoting the U.S. State Department stated:
“We will use all our tools to prevent Maliki’s return.”
Rather than fueling uncertainty, Jeff interprets this as confirmation:
If Maliki were truly viable, such a statement wouldn’t be necessary
It closes the door publicly while noise continues privately
It reassures stakeholders while the public remains distracted
The Psychology of Distraction
Why Make People Angry?
Jeff highlights a psychological tactic:
Announce something that upsets people
Generate emotional reactions
Cloud rational analysis
Control perception of instability
When Maliki’s name resurfaced, people reacted emotionally—and the tactic worked.
📌 Featured Snippet:
Emotional reactions are part of the distraction strategy, preventing clear analysis of real progress.
Why Instability Is Being “Shown” Right Now
According to this view, instability is being portrayed, not necessarily occurring.
The reason?
👉 To keep observers uncertain about when changes—especially financial ones—might occur.
When people don’t know when something happens:
Expectations stay suppressed
Speculation exhausts itself
Pressure is reduced behind the scenes
Stalled Government: Signal or Smokescreen?
While government formation appears stalled, Jeff suggests:
This does not mean failure
It does not indicate regression
It does not confirm instability
Instead, it may indicate controlled timing—waiting for conditions to align.
Q&A: Jeff’s Perspective Explained
Q: Is Maliki really out?
A: According to Jeff, yes. He is a distraction, not a contender.
Q: Why allow the confusion then?
A: Confusion manages expectations and emotional reactions.
Q: Does this mean nothing is happening?
A: No. It likely means key actions are happening quietly.
Q: Is this financial advice?
A: No. This is political and informational analysis only.
Key Takeaways (Google Discover Ready)
Iraq is difficult to analyze due to intentional information gaps
Maliki’s return narrative is a distraction
U.S. statements reinforce that Maliki is not viable
Emotional reactions are part of perception management
Quiet progress often follows loud confusion
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Noise Fool You
As Jeff emphasizes, not everything that looks chaotic is out of control.
Sometimes, the louder the noise, the more important it is to:
Stay calm
Think analytically
Ignore emotional triggers
Focus on structural signals
Distractions only work if you let them.
🔗 Stay Connected With Us
🌐 Blog:
https://dinarevaluation.blogspot.com/
📢 Telegram:
https://t.me/DINAREVALUATION
📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064023274131
🐦 Twitter (X):
https://x.com/DinaresGurus
▶ YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DINARREVALUATION
🔥 Hashtags
#IraqUpdate
#Maliki
#PoliticalDistraction
#IQDAnalysis
#IraqGovernment
#Geopolitics
#FinancialReset
#MiddleEastNews
#JeffAnalysis
#StayCalm
Jeff
It's a very difficult investment to study right now because there's a lot of unknown information. There's things they're not telling us...They're stalling the formation of the government.
I don't think Maliki is going to return. His foot is not even in the door...I think he's a distraction. It makes no sense to put him in there.
Article: "The US State Department told Shafaq News: We will use all our tools to prevent Maliki's return"
This is a distraction... They're trying to show and portray instability so you and I don't know when the rate's going to change. It's all this this. If you're not a sharp analytical thinker, it's going to make you mad and upset you, which when they first came out talking about Maliki going in there, it made everybody mad. They succeeded. They did their job. It's nothing more than a distraction.
Iraq slips into constitutional vacuum as presidential deadlock drags on
Iraq is sliding deeper into a constitutional vacuum after parliament failed to elect a president, a delay that has stalled the subsequent step of nominating a prime minister and raised concerns of an open-ended governance crisis that could paralyze key state institutions.
The impasse follows two failed presidential voting sessions on February 1 and January 27. Although the Council of Representatives has scheduled a new parliamentary session for February 9, the agenda notably excludes a vote to elect the president, a signal of how entrenched the deadlock has become.
At the center of the problem lies a long-running dispute between Iraq’s two main Kurdish parties: the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
The presidency has traditionally gone to the PUK, which argues that the post is part of an established political understanding. The KDP, however, maintains that the position belongs to the Kurds as a whole rather than to a single party. The party has reinforced its claim by pointing to its electoral strength in the November parliamentary elections, where it secured more than one million votes and won 27 of the Kurdistan Region’s 46 seats. With the addition of five quota seats, the KDP’s total rises to 32 seats.
That outcome places the KDP fourth nationwide in parliamentary representation, behind the Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the Taqaddum Party headed by Mohammed al-Halbousi, and the Sadiqoon Bloc led by Qais al-Khazali.
The presidential stalemate is unfolding against a fragile political backdrop marked by regional and international pressures that have complicated efforts to reach domestic compromises. Tensions persist not only between the KDP and PUK but also among groups within the Shiite-led Coordination Framework, the alliance that brings together the country’s main ruling Shiite parties.
Uncertainty has intensified following Washington’s public opposition to Nouri al-Maliki returning to the premiership. That stance, coupled with the absence of any clear Iranian endorsement and reservations from influential Shiite actors such as the National Wisdom Movement and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, has left al-Maliki’s prospects in doubt.
Despite recent visits by Coordination Framework delegations to Erbil and Al-Sulaymaniyah —where they held talks with both the KDP and PUK on electing a president and launching the process of forming a new federal government— no tangible progress has followed.
Legal experts warn that the prolonged delay carries serious political and economic consequences, even if the constitution itself does not spell out penalties for missing deadlines.
Mohammed Jumaa, a constitutional law expert, told Shafaq News that Iraq has effectively entered a phase of constitutional vacuum. “The constitution does not impose punitive measures for exceeding constitutional timeframes,” he said, “but the country is entering a very difficult phase with clear political and economic repercussions.”
Jumaa noted that the current government is operating in a caretaker capacity, severely limiting its authority. “It cannot take new decisions, and any measures it does issue are vulnerable to annulment. Ministers also lack the authority to sign or issue directives involving new policies,” he added, arguing that lawmakers bear responsibility for addressing the vacuum.
“If MPs submit to their bloc leaders and allow the country to drift into deeper political and economic consequences, that could amount to a breach of their constitutional oath, with potential legal implications.”
Read more: Nouri Al-Maliki’s return rekindles Iraq’s divisions as Iran and the US pull apart
Political analyst Mohammed Zangana described foreign intervention as a key factor behind the fragile political scene, pointing to a single social media post by Donald Trump rejecting al-Maliki’s candidacy as a moment that “shifted the balance for all political actors.”
Zangana stressed that the Kurds should not be blamed for the crisis, and that parliament could still elect a president even without agreement between the two main Kurdish parties by relying on what he termed a “national quorum” inside the legislature.
According to Zangana, US opposition extends beyond al-Maliki to any figure seen as clashing with American interests, a dynamic he warned could destabilize Iraq’s political landscape further.
He also cautioned that prolonged political fragmentation could create security openings, with one possible outcome being the resurgence of ISIS, especially amid the transfer of 7,000 detainees from Syria to Iraq with Baghdad’s approval and “complicity by some factions.”
Zangana warned that insisting on pushing forward with Nouri al-Maliki’s candidacy could trigger renewed international pressure, including discussions around Iraq’s status under the UN Security Council Chapter VII. Such a scenario, he pointed out, could expose the country to economic or diplomatic measures that would undermine its sovereignty and restrict its engagement with the international system.
Iraq lived under Chapter VII for more than two decades following the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, a period marked by sanctions, external oversight, and deep institutional and economic strain. While a full return to the pre-2013 sanctions regime appears unlikely under current conditions, Zangana cautioned that prolonged political paralysis and unresolved leadership disputes could still invite indirect or conditional forms of international pressure, including financial constraints or conditional diplomatic engagement, at a time when Iraq’s stability and external credibility remain fragile.
Against this backdrop of mounting external pressure and internal fragmentation, attention has now shifted back to parliament, where another session could break or prolong the deadlock.
Earlier this week, the Framework said its lawmakers would be “free” to choose in a presidential vote if Kurdish parties fail to agree on a single candidate, signaling a readiness to move forward even in the absence of a unified Kurdish position.
From within the Framework, Mukhtar al-Moussawi, a senior figure in the Badr Organization, said that the next parliamentary session, aimed at electing a president, could prove decisive, and if there is more than one candidate, lawmakers may resort to a secret ballot, a mechanism often used to limit bloc discipline and allow MPs greater freedom of choice.
For now, Iraq remains caught between constitutional procedure and political rivalry, with no clear timeline for resolution —and growing concern that the longer the vacuum persists, the higher the cost to the state and its stability.
Written and edited by Shafaq News staff.
MNT GOAT: The End of the “Long Struggle”: Maliki’s Exit and Iraq’s Presidential Turning Point
Introduction: Why This Moment Matters for Iraq
For years, Iraq’s political system has been locked in what many analysts call “the long struggle”—a cycle of stalled elections, delayed reforms, and power struggles behind closed doors. According to long-time Iraq analyst Mnt Goat, that cycle may now be reaching its conclusion.
The expected withdrawal of Nouri al-Maliki from the presidential equation could represent the single most important political unblocker Iraq has seen in years.
📌 Featured Snippet:
Maliki’s anticipated withdrawal is widely viewed as the political key needed to unlock Iraq’s stalled presidential process.
The Core Issue: Why the Presidency Was Delayed
Was the Stalemate Accidental?
According to this analysis, the delay in electing Iraq’s president was not procedural confusion, but a deliberate political maneuver.
Key points include:
The presidency vote was repeatedly postponed
No clear nominee was advanced by Kurdistan
The process stalled precisely when Maliki’s path forward remained possible
This suggests that stalling was a defensive strategy, not dysfunction.
Kurdistan’s Strategic Silence Explained
Why Kurdistan Waited
Mnt Goat’s assessment highlights a critical insight:
Kurdistan would not announce a candidate unless they knew Maliki was out.
This implies that Kurdistan’s leadership was waiting for certainty, not speculating. The absence of a Kurdish nominee acted as a brake on the entire political process, preventing the next steps from triggering Maliki’s potential nomination.
📌 Featured Snippet:
Kurdistan’s delay in naming a presidential candidate functioned as a strategic block against Maliki’s return.
Fuad Hussein’s Nomination: A Signal, Not a Coincidence
The announcement of Fuad Hussein as a Kurdish presidential nominee is widely interpreted as confirmation that the political landscape has shifted.
Why this matters:
It signals confidence that Maliki will not advance
It unlocks the constitutional sequence to elect a president
It allows Parliament to resume its role without fear of regression
In political systems like Iraq’s, timing is everything—and this timing speaks volumes.
Why Maliki’s Withdrawal Changes Everything
Ending the “Long Struggle”
Maliki’s presence has long been associated with:
Centralization of power
Resistance to reform
Heightened sectarian tensions
International mistrust
His exit—if formally announced—would remove the single most polarizing obstacle to political consensus.
📌 Featured Snippet:
Analysts believe Maliki’s withdrawal could mark the end of Iraq’s prolonged political paralysis.
What Happens Next? The Expected Timeline
Based on the analysis:
A new parliamentary session to elect the president may occur early next week
Government formation steps would resume immediately after
Long-delayed reforms could re-enter the agenda
Political stability would improve investor and international confidence
This sequence is critical not only for governance—but also for economic and monetary reform discussions tied to stability.
Why This Matters Beyond Politics
Political clarity is often the first domino in larger national transitions.
Once leadership uncertainty ends:
Laws move forward
Budgets finalize
Reforms activate
International agreements regain traction
This is why many observers believe Iraq’s political resolution is foundational to everything that follows.
Q&A: Iraq’s Political Shift Explained
Q: Has Maliki officially withdrawn?
A: No official announcement yet. This article reflects analysis and expectations based on political signals.
Q: Why was Kurdistan’s role so important?
A: Kurdistan controls a key step in the presidential process and used that leverage strategically.
Q: Is Fuad Hussein guaranteed to become president?
A: No. His nomination signals progress, not a final outcome.
Q: Does this impact economic reforms?
A: Political stability is widely viewed as a prerequisite for sustained reform.
Key Takeaways (Google Discover Ready)
Iraq’s presidency delay was strategic, not accidental
Kurdistan waited for Maliki’s exit before acting
Fuad Hussein’s nomination signals political clarity
Maliki’s withdrawal could end years of paralysis
Stability begins with leadership resolution
Final Thoughts: A Political Chapter Closing
If confirmed, Maliki’s withdrawal would not simply be a personal decision—it would represent the closing of a political era.
The “long struggle” was never just about elections. It was about preventing regression and forcing Iraq’s system to move forward.
Now, for the first time in years, the path appears open.
🔗 Stay Connected With Us
🌐 Blog:
https://dinarevaluation.blogspot.com/
📢 Telegram:
https://t.me/DINAREVALUATION
📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064023274131
🐦 Twitter (X):
https://x.com/DinaresGurus
▶ YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DINARREVALUATION
🔥 Hashtags
#IraqPolitics
#Maliki
#IraqPresidency
#Kurdistan
#PoliticalBreakthrough
#MiddleEastPolitics
#IraqUpdate
#ReformWatch
#MntGoat
#FutureOfIraq
Mnt Goat
Article: “THE END OF THE “LONG STRUGGLE” …
MALIKI IS CLOSE TO ANNOUNCING HIS WITHDRAWAL EXPECTATIONS ARE THAT A NEW SESSION TO ELECT THE “PRESIDENT” WILL BE HELD EARLY NEXT WEEK.” My sincere belief, not opinion, is that this announcement is what Kurdistan was waiting for in order to announce their nominee for the presidency. Kurdistan would not have just announced their candidate Fuad Hussein, if they didn’t know that Maliki was out..
.this was the sole reason for the stalling in the election process in the first place as a delay in picking the president was just a reason to stall. In other words, a political maneuver by the Kurds to stall the process in order to take a step back and keep the next step from happening, which would have been Maliki’s nomination.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
🚨 POST-EXCHANGE WEALTH MANAGEMENT BLUEPRINT (IQD Scenario Planning Guide)
🚨 POST-EXCHANGE WEALTH MANAGEMENT BLUEPRINT (IQD Scenario Planning Guide) 💡 Key Financial Strategies (Beyond Basic Exchange Planning) 1....
-
🌍 Global Currency Reset: What’s Happening Now The so-called “RV Redemption” is reportedly entering a new phase, according to various sour...
-
A groundbreaking and irreversible shift is occurring in the global financial system as it rapidly transitions to a gold-backed structure. T...
-
Confirmed on Live TV – Announced Exchange Rate: $6.02! – Take Advantage!🔊 Highlights Summary Here are reports on the officially confirmed...