Iraq plans to export surplus wheat, trade minister says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Trade Ministry plans to export surplus wheat to foreign markets, Trade Minister Mustafa Nizar al-Ani said on Friday, citing higher domestic production that has allowed the country to cover local demand and sell the remainder abroad. Al-Ani said the additional output from the country's wheat harvest would be directed to external markets once domestic needs are met. The ministry has not yet announced specific volumes, buyers or a timeline for the export program. The ministry said further details on the plan would be released in the coming days. It did not immediately name the countries being considered for export or specify how the surplus would be transported. Iraq, a traditional wheat importer, has moved in recent years to reduce reliance on foreign purchases and expand local production. No additional information on storage, pricing or trade agreements was immediately available.