Iraq plays a major role in global oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. Recent data highlights the country’s strong presence in energy exports through the strategic waterway. As a result, Iraq’s oil exports rank among the highest in the world.
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Iraq accounts for more than one-fifth of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This figure places Iraq in second position among exporters using the route.
Saudi Arabia leads the list by a significant margin. However, Iraq still holds a crucial share of shipments traveling through the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Every day, roughly 20 million barrels of crude oil and condensates move through the Strait of Hormuz. This amount represents about 20% to 25% of the global seaborne oil trade. Therefore, disruptions in the waterway could influence global energy markets quickly.
Saudi Arabia exports about 37.2% of the oil volume passing through the Strait. Meanwhile, Iraq contributes approximately 22.8% of the shipments. This large share highlights the importance of Iraq’s oil exports to global supply chains.
Other regional producers also rely heavily on the strategic route. The United Arab Emirates ships nearly 12.9% of the oil flowing through the strait. Iran accounts for roughly 10.6% of the shipments. Kuwait follows closely with about 10.1%.
In addition, Qatar contributes around 4.4% of the total oil and condensate volumes passing through the waterway. Smaller producers collectively account for nearly 1% of the shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important energy chokepoints in the world. In fact, the route carries nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
Because of its narrow geography, even small disruptions can affect international energy markets. Therefore, governments and shipping companies closely monitor activity in the region.
Recently, regional tensions have increased concerns about shipping safety. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that it maintains full control over the strategic waterway. At the same time, ship-tracking services reported dozens of oil tankers waiting on both sides of the strait.
These delays highlighted growing uncertainty in the shipping lanes. Consequently, energy traders began watching the region more closely.
Meanwhile, the United States signaled readiness to protect maritime traffic. U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy could escort oil tankers if security conditions require it.
Such measures aim to maintain stable energy flows through the region. Global markets depend heavily on uninterrupted shipments through this narrow corridor.
For Iraq, the strategic route remains vital for its energy exports. The country relies heavily on maritime shipments to deliver crude oil to international buyers. Therefore, Iraq’s oil exports play a central role in both Iraq’s economy and global energy supply.
