Baghdad Merchants Protest New Tariffs Amid Oil Revenue Decline

Hundreds of merchants and customs brokerage business owners rallied in downtown Baghdad on Sunday, demanding the Iraqi government reverse new customs tariffs.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Hundreds of merchants and customs brokerage business owners protested in downtown Baghdad on Sunday, demanding that the Iraqi government reverse new customs tariffs that they say have led to a decline in their incomes amid falling oil revenues.

Why it matters

The protests highlight the economic challenges facing Iraq as it grapples with a drop in oil prices and revenues, which make up a significant portion of the government's budget. The new tariffs are seen as an attempt by the government to raise additional revenue, but they have drawn the ire of the business community.

The details

The protesters gathered in Tahrir Square, a central Baghdad location that has been the site of major demonstrations in recent years. They carried signs and chanted slogans calling for the reversal of the new tariffs, which they say have made it more difficult for them to conduct business. The tariffs were introduced as part of the government's efforts to diversify its revenue sources beyond oil.

  • The protests took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Iraqi Government

The government of Iraq, which introduced the new customs tariffs in an effort to raise revenue amid declining oil prices.

Baghdad Merchants

Hundreds of merchants and customs brokerage business owners who protested the new tariffs, which they say have led to a decline in their incomes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let the government continue to impose these tariffs that are hurting our businesses and our livelihoods.”

— Ahmed Saleh, Merchant

“The government needs to listen to us and reverse these tariffs before more businesses are forced to close down.”

— Fatima Kadhim, Customs Broker

What’s next

The Iraqi government has indicated it will review the tariffs in the coming weeks in response to the protests.

The takeaway

The protests in Baghdad highlight the economic challenges facing Iraq as it grapples with declining oil revenues, and the tensions between the government's need for new revenue sources and the impact on the business community.