Iraq customs revenues hit 2.5 trillion IQD in Seven Months

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraq’s General Customs Authority collected 2.5 trillion Iraqi Dinars (approximately $1.9 billion) in revenues during the first seven months of 2026, matching total receipts recorded for the entirety of 2025, Director-General Thamer Qasim Al-Taie announced on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Speaking to state-run Al Iraqiya News, Al-Taie stated that July alone generated 560 billion IQD, representing a 150% year-on-year surge compared to July 2025. With revenue collection accelerating across all federal border crossings, full-year receipts are projected to surpass 3.5 trillion IQD ($2.67 billion)—the highest annual total in modern Iraqi state history.

Key Revenue Indicators & Technical Upgrades

• Seven-Month Total:2.5 trillion IQD (~$1.9B) collected through July 2026, equaling full-year 2025 custom receipts.
• July Revenue Surge: Recorded 560 billion IQD, a 150% increase compared to July 2025.
• Annual Projection: Forecasted to exceed 3.5 trillion IQD (~$2.67B) by year-end 2026, setting a national historical record.
• Automation & Anti-Corruption: Revenue jumps were driven by the nationwide rollout of SCADA systems, automated customs processing, and integrated digital networks connecting border crossings with government agencies, drastically curbing tariff evasion and illicit clearances.

The sharp rise in customs collections reflects Baghdad’s wider push to modernize border controls, plug financial leakages, and reduce structural dependence on crude oil sales amid regional market volatility.

By implementing mandatory automated documentation and digital data-sharing across federal transit checkpoints, the Customs Authority has systematically reduced tariff evasion, accelerated cargo clearances, and fortified federal non-oil revenue streams.