Baghdad: Dozens of shops and markets in central Baghdad closed their doors early Sunday morning in protest against the Ministerial Council for the Economy’s decision to impose taxes and increase customs duties on goods and products.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this move by the government has sparked concern among local business owners, who argue that the increased financial burden could negatively impact their operations and lead to higher prices for consumers. The closure of shops is a demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the new economic policies.

Business owners have expressed that the decision to impose additional taxes and customs duties may result in reduced sales and profitability. They fear that the increased costs will have to be passed on to consumers, which could lead to a decrease in customer demand and affect the overall economic stability in the region.

The protest highlights the tension between the government’s economic policies and the local business community’s ability
to adapt to such changes. Many shop owners are calling for a reconsideration of the decision, hoping for a solution that balances the government’s financial objectives with the sustainability of small and medium enterprises in Baghdad.