Iranian Sheep Flood Iraqi Markets as Local Producers Struggle

Iranian sheep have become a growing presence in livestock markets across northern Iraq in recent years, as higher red meat demand, drought and rising feed prices have reduced domestic output. The influx has made cheaper imports an increasingly common choice for Iraqi consumers and restaurant owners. Livestock markets in Kirkuk, Baghdad, Diyala, Saladin, Najaf and Basra now offer Iranian sheep on a daily basis. Local sheep are sold at 20,000 to 25,000 dinars per kilogram, while purebred Iraqi sheep fetch between 350,000 and 600,000 dinars. Economists say Iranian sheep imports are helping supply affordable meat to consumers, but are also hurting local producers and exposing the pressure facing the sector. They say the industry needs support to preserve domestic production. The Agriculture Ministry is trying to protect animal health through tighter checks at border crossings. Local breeds such as Zeyni and Hamdani continue to hold their value with consumers because of the quality of their meat.