Baghdad:Iraq’s imports in 2025 saw a remarkable surge, reaching approximately $72.3 billion, a significant increase from $41.9 billion in 2024, largely driven by a dramatic rise in non-oil commodity imports.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Central Statistical Organization and Geographic Information Systems (CSO) reported that non-oil commodity imports alone amounted to $70.8 billion, reflecting a 77.9% increase from $39.8 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, imports of petroleum products decreased to $1.5 billion from $2.1 billion in the previous year.

China emerged as Iraq’s top trading partner, accounting for $30.9 billion or 43.7% of the total non-oil commodity imports. Following China, Iran and the United Arab Emirates contributed 8.4% and 8.1%, respectively. Maritime transport showed the highest growth among import channels, jumping by 92.7% to $49.3 billion, compared to $25.6 billion in 2024. Additionally, land and air routes saw increases of 56.5% and 41.3%, respectively.

October was the peak month for imports in 2025, accounting for 12.2% of the total imports at a value of $8.8 billion. This month also marked the highest share of non-oil commodity imports at 12.3%, valued at $8.7 billion. Conversely, August recorded the highest share of petroleum product imports, with 14.1% valued at $0.2 billion.

The import distribution by transport mode highlighted a strong reliance on maritime ports, which handled about 70% of all non-oil commodity imports in 2025. The value of imports through maritime ports reached $49.3 billion, compared to $14.6 billion via land routes and $6.9 billion via air routes, underscoring the substantial differences in import volumes through various channels.