Trade is moving towards reducing some tariffs in preparation for joining the World Trade Organization.
Trade is moving towards reducing some tariffs in preparation for joining the World Trade Organization.
2026/01/08
The Ministry of Trade intends to submit initial proposals to the member states of the World Trade Organization (WTO), with the aim of reducing customs tariffs imposed on some goods and services, as part of the country’s diligent efforts to complete the conditions of membership and joining the organization.
The official spokesman for the ministry, Mohammed Hanoun, said in a press statement: “The process of Iraq joining the World Trade Organization requires aligning the Iraqi trade system with the organization’s rules, explaining that one of the most important requirements for membership is the existence of a unified and transparent customs structure that is applied in all customs ports without any discrimination, which promotes fair competition and protects the interests of all parties.”
Hannon pointed out that “the most prominent obstacles that Iraq previously faced in the path of joining were the difference in tariffs and customs procedures between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, noting that the ministry recently succeeded in unifying these tariffs, which is an important condition for completing the requirements of membership. He added that joining does not mean raising customs tariffs on all goods, but rather it is limited to some of them according to a balanced plan that preserves the protection of local industry and meets the needs of development.”
Hannon explained that “the ministry will present initial proposals during its upcoming negotiations to reduce tariffs on some goods and services, while emphasizing the need to balance trade openness with protecting national production, stressing that the customs system has been updated and tariffs unified in line with the basic requirements for membership in the organization, which is a central and fundamental condition in the accession process.”
The official noted that “the ministry has completed several technical and legal files and submitted them to the organization, including procedures for the foreign trade system, implementation of parliamentary legislation to enhance the trade aspect, in addition to files on agricultural support, import licenses, and customs evaluation, reflecting the commitment to improving the legal and operational framework for Iraqi trade.”
Hannon explained that “Iraq’s return to the negotiating table in Geneva is part of the country’s policy to integrate into the global economic system, stressing that international commitments in this area are not restrictions, but rather represent a gradual program of legal and operational improvements to the trade process, balancing calculated openness with the protection of national interests.”
Regarding the timing of Iraq’s accession, the spokesman suggested that the country would receive approval after the fourth round of negotiations, noting that setting a date for this round depends on the extent to which Iraq completes the required documents and responds to the inquiries of member states within the framework of ongoing bilateral negotiations, which is the usual procedure within the path of joining the organization.
alforatnews.iq
