Turkey has strengthened its role as a major trade partner to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, exporting $5 billion worth of goods in just six months. This development confirms a vital trend: Turkey-Iraq trade growth continues to shape the region’s economic landscape.
New data from Turkey’s Ministry of Trade and the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly reveals that exports to all neighboring countries reached over $13.2 billion in the first half of 2025. However, the Kurdistan Region and Iraq alone accounted for more than one-third of that figure. With $5 billion in goods flowing to these markets, they firmly hold the top spot as Turkey’s largest neighboring trade destination.
This trade level surpasses exports to Bulgaria, which reached $2.2 billion, as well as Greece and Georgia, which followed closely behind. These comparisons highlight the exceptional scale of Turkey-Iraq trade growth, as exports to Iraq and Kurdistan more than doubled the value of goods sent to the next-largest market.
In addition to raw figures, this trade volume points to a broader strategic reality. The deepening partnership reveals high interdependence, where economic cooperation shapes both policy decisions and regional stability. For Turkish businesses, the Kurdistan Region and Iraq represent a dependable and expanding market. For policymakers, stability in these areas ensures continued access to one of the most critical export corridors.
Moreover, the Kurdistan Region serves as a vital access point for Turkish goods into central and southern Iraq. This role gives the Region a unique advantage as both a commercial hub and a consumption center. In turn, Iraq benefits from consistent access to Turkish manufacturing and agricultural products, which help stabilize local markets and consumer needs.
The 4.8% overall increase in Turkey’s exports to neighboring countries reflects a healthy trade environment. However, the surge in exports to Iraq and Kurdistan underscores a much faster rate of growth in that direction. Despite regional uncertainties, businesses on both sides appear confident in the trade corridor’s strength and reliability.
As commercial relations grow stronger, this partnership becomes more than an economic link. It transforms into a cornerstone of regional cooperation, influencing broader political and developmental dynamics across borders. In this context, Turkey-Iraq trade growth acts as both a driver and a result of shared interests.