Economist: The strike by shops will backfire on the government.
Economist: The strike by shops will backfire on the government.
2-8-2026
Information/Baghdad…
Economic researcher Diaa Abdul Karim believes that the strike by shop owners and the closure of their shops will have negative consequences for the government following the increase in customs tariffs.
Abdul Karim told Al-Maalouma, “The government has moved to increase customs tariffs on a number of goods and commodities, including mobile phones. This has generated rejection among most merchants due to the price hikes, which have led to a market slump.”
He added, “The merchants’ closure of their shops and the cessation of operations will undermine the government’s plans, as import activity will either halt or significantly decrease. Consequently, the government will incur substantial losses, leading to counterproductive results.”
He explained, “The government should have considered the economic feasibility of making decisions that disrupt market activity and lead to public rejection, especially since citizens are no longer willing to accept any price increases due to the decline in living standards coinciding with price hikes.”
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