Baghdad Traders Protest New Customs Tariffs Amid Economic Strain
In Baghdad, hundreds of traders and customs clearance company owners have protested against new customs tariffs imposed by the Iraqi government. These tariffs, which took effect on January 1, are part of an effort to reduce the country's debt and reliance on oil revenues. However, traders argue that the tariffs, which can be as high as 30%, have significantly increased their costs and disrupted trade. The protests have led to a backlog of goods at the Umm Qasr port, and some traders are considering rerouting imports through the Kurdistan region, where fees are lower. A lawsuit has been filed to challenge the tariffs, with a court ruling expected soon. 
