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Baghdadi Merchants Protest New Tariffs Amid Declining Oil Revenues
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 country's budget. The new tariffs were intended to boost government coffers, but have instead sparked backlash from the business community.
The details
The protesters, who included owners of small and medium-sized businesses, said the new tariffs have led to a sharp decline in their incomes and threatened the viability of their operations. They called on the government to reconsider the tariff hikes and provide more support for the private sector.
- The protests took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The players
Iraqi Government
The governing authority in Iraq that implemented the new customs tariffs.
Baghdadi Merchants
Hundreds of small and medium-sized business owners and customs brokerage firms that participated in the protests against the new tariffs.
The takeaway
The protests in Baghdad highlight the delicate balance the Iraqi government must strike between raising revenue and supporting the private sector, especially as the country grapples with the economic fallout from declining oil prices.
