Turkey's exports to Iraq surged by 17.2% in the first half of this year, exceeding $5 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Trade and the Turkish Exporters Assembly.

In the January-June period, Turkey's total exports to its neighbors, including Iran, Greece, Iraq, Georgia, Syria, and Bulgaria, grew by 11.6% compared to the same period last year, totalling $11.63 billion, Turkish state media reported, adding that last year, this figure stood at $10.42 billion.

The report added that Iraq is the country's largest market, with the $5.04 billion of trade marking a 17.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The robust growth in exports to Iraq marks a notable achievement for Turkey as it continues to strengthen its trade relations with neighboring countries.

According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly, Turkish exports to Iraq surged by $691.5 million during the first quarter of 2024, bringing the total export value to $2.7 billion.

This significant growth positioned Iraq at the forefront of Turkey's export market expansion during this period. Following closely, Romania saw a rise in Turkish exports by $489.3 million, achieving $1.9 billion in revenue. 

The Netherlands secured the third spot with an increase of $324.2 million, resulting in $2.03 billion in total exports.

In early June 2024, Trade Minister Atheer Daoud Al-Ghurairi underscored Iraq's commitment to strengthening relations with Turkey. 

During his visit to Istanbul for the third ministerial meeting of the Trade Negotiations Committee under the trade preferences system for OIC member states, Ghurairi met with Turkish Trade Minister Omar Bolat to discuss enhancing trade and economic cooperation.

Ghurairi emphasized the Iraqi government's dedication to fostering ties with Turkey, aiming to leverage opportunities for joint production, investment projects, and increased trade exchange. 

Bolat welcomed Ghurairi’s visit and participation in the meeting, reaffirming Turkey's commitment to deepening economic, investment, and trade relations with Iraq and implementing bilateral agreements.

The discussions also covered the outcomes of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent visit to Iraq and planned coordination for Polat's upcoming visit to Iraq in July.