Iraq's meat import bill drops to $1 billion in 2025 after record 2024

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq remained among the world's largest importers of meat and edible offal in 2025, with purchases totaling $1.042 billion, according to trade data from Trade Map. The figure represents a decline from the $1.499 billion recorded in 2024, when imports peaked. The data shows a steady upward trend over the preceding years: imports stood at $752.4 million in 2021, rose to $1.055 billion in 2022 and $1.235 billion in 2023 before reaching their highest level last year. China led global imports in the same category with $22.4 billion. The United States, Germany, Japan and Mexico also ranked among the major buyers. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates each accounted for roughly $3 billion in imports during 2025. Iraq has gradually increased its meat and offal purchases over the past several years as domestic production has struggled to meet demand.