Iran risks losing market share in Iraq unless it modernises its commercial systems and improves data-driven planning, according to the Tehran Times.Yahya Al-e-Eshaq, head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, is quoted as saying that formal bilateral trade reached $12 billion last year, rising to nearly $15 billion when informal exchanges are included. He noted that the long-term target of $20 billion is achievable under the current bilateral framework.Iran supplies a broad range of products to Iraq, including construction materials, foodstuffs, detergents, engineering services, agricultural goods, and medical and leisure tourism services. Iran currently holds around 20 percent of Iraq's consumer market. However, Al-e-Eshaq said bureaucratic barriers, customs rules, standards requirements, transit delays, visa procedures, and fragmented institutional decision-making continue to slow trade flows.Seyed Taha Hossein Madani, head of the Smart Governance Think Tank, said Iran still has significant untapped export potential in Iraq. Dairy exports reached 660,000 tons valued at $1.059 billion in 2024, with more than half destined for Iraq. Potato exports to Iraq were worth $15 million last year, while construction materials remain a major opportunity despite declining market share in cement and related products.Madani added that Iraq is the largest destination for Iranian iron and steel exports, valued at $1.4 billion last year. He said weak commercial strategy has caused Iran to lose ground even in neighbouring markets. (ICE AMMAN)

Fonte notizia: Stampa Locale