Baghdad traders staged a large protest Tuesday in front of the Supreme Judicial Council building, opposing rising customs tariffs on their goods. They called on Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan to take immediate action. The protesters said these tariffs threaten long-standing trade relationships and hurt the local economy.
Ali al-Saadi, a prominent trader, explained that the protest aimed to attract judicial intervention. “Our demands are clear, and we believe the judiciary will step in to resolve this problem,” he told 964media. He stressed that traders support the economy by bringing foreign currency into the country through decades of international trade.
“The trader is an ordinary citizen who does not engage in smuggling,” al-Saadi said. “We have traded with partners in China and other countries for over 20 years. Raising customs tariffs is an ill-considered move that risks ending these partnerships. We urgently need judicial action.”
Hussam al-Rubaie, another trader, said the government wrongly portrays traders as acting against the state. “Increasing tariffs creates a crisis for both merchants and citizens,” he said. He urged the government to meet with traders directly, listen to their concerns, and implement solutions. “Many shops have already closed. Employees have lost their jobs. Families are suffering. Protests will continue until proper solutions are found,” he added.
Mustafa Ayyoub focused on hybrid vehicles. “We imported hybrids because official government decisions exempted them from customs duties. The General Authority of Customs confirmed this exemption in 2025 to encourage environmentally friendly vehicles,” he said. However, new duties were later imposed, raising vehicle prices. “These fines are unfair. The judiciary must intervene to correct this mistake,” he stated.
Similar protests and a general strike took place Sunday in Baghdad and Basra. Traders warned that the new tariffs could increase prices and disrupt markets, especially before Ramadan. Earlier this year, the Iraqi government introduced new customs fees and implemented the ASYCUDA electronic customs system.
The Baghdad Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that markets will remain closed across all governorates until authorities cancel the fees. Trader Ziad Salem explained that fees previously costing 500,000 dinars ($333) have now risen sharply. Ahmed Abboud said container clearance costs, previously 3 million dinars ($2,000), now face 30% duties. “This will double prices for citizens,” he warned.
Protesters emphasized that rising customs tariffs are not just a financial burden. They threaten trade, jobs, and everyday citizens’ access to goods. Traders insist on urgent government and judicial intervention to restore market stability. Analysts warn that without immediate action, the situation may escalate further.
The public debate continues as citizens, traders, and authorities monitor the effects of rising customs tariffs on Iraq’s economy.
