Trade activity between Iran and Iraq increased sharply during the first month of Iran’s new fiscal year, highlighting the growing commercial ties between the neighboring countries. Iranian customs officials reported that thousands of trucks crossed into Iraq carrying goods worth more than $148 million. Iran-Iraq border trade growth continues to expand as both countries strengthen transport routes and economic cooperation.
According to Iranian officials, 23,759 commercial trucks transported more than 456,000 tons of goods from Kermanshah province into Iraq since March 21. Authorities said the shipments included industrial products, agricultural supplies, and food items destined for Iraqi markets.
Iran’s Tasnim News Agency quoted Kermanshah Customs supervisor Reza Nikrouz as saying the Khosravi crossing recorded the highest truck traffic. More than 7,300 trucks reportedly passed through the border point during the reporting period. Officials described the crossing as one of the busiest commercial gateways between the two countries.
The Parviz Khan crossing, which connects Iran with the Kurdistan Region, ranked second in trade activity. Around 6,409 trucks crossed through the border route carrying a wide range of commercial goods. Other crossings also experienced strong traffic as regional trade demand continued to rise.
The Somar crossing near Mandali handled more than 6,000 trucks during the same period. Meanwhile, the Shoshmi and Sheikh Saleh crossings, which connect Iran with Kurdish areas, processed nearly 2,000 trucks each. Customs authorities noted that all major crossings in Kermanshah province witnessed increased commercial movement.
Exports included steel products, iron billets, fertilizers, marble stone, and several industrial materials. Food products also formed a major part of the shipments heading toward Iraq. Iranian exporters supplied tomato paste, powdered milk, fresh vegetables, watermelons, cucumbers, and other agricultural goods to Iraqi markets.
Officials confirmed that Iraq remained the top destination for exports from Kermanshah province last month. Export shipments exceeded 459,000 tons in total, reflecting strong consumer demand and ongoing commercial cooperation between Baghdad and Tehran.
Iran-Iraq border trade growth also comes alongside major infrastructure projects designed to improve transportation links. Tehran continues work on the 263-kilometer railway connecting Kermanshah to the Khosravi border crossing. Iraqi authorities are simultaneously developing a parallel railway line on their side of the border.
The railway project aims to create a direct trade corridor between Iran and Iraq. Officials first approved the plan in 2012 as part of broader regional transport initiatives. Once completed, the route could support cargo transportation from northwestern Iran and neighboring countries into Iraqi markets.
Economic cooperation between Baghdad and Tehran has expanded steadily in recent years through energy, trade, and transportation projects. Border crossings between the two countries now play a major role in regional commerce and supply chains.
Iran-Iraq border trade growth remains important for businesses and exporters on both sides of the border. Officials from both countries hope improved infrastructure and transport links will increase trade volumes further in the coming years. The expanding railway network may also strengthen Iraq’s position as a regional transit hub connecting Gulf markets with neighboring countries.