Iraq’s date exports recorded strong growth in 2025, reflecting the rapid development of the country’s agricultural sector. The Ministry of Agriculture announced that exports exceeded 600,000 tons during the fiscal year. Officials described the achievement as another step toward strengthening Iraq’s non-oil economy and expanding agricultural revenues.
The palm sector continues to play a major role in Iraq’s farming industry. Government officials say the country now focuses on increasing production while improving product quality for international markets. Iraq remains one of the world’s historic centers for date cultivation, with hundreds of local varieties grown across several provinces.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Mahdi Sahar al-Jubouri said the Zahdi date remains Iraq’s leading export product. Farmers favor the variety because of its large production volume and wide commercial use. Export companies also rely on Zahdi dates due to strong regional demand and easier processing capabilities.
In addition to fresh dates, Iraq expanded exports of processed date products during 2025. The country shipped nearly 100,000 tons of date paste to foreign markets. Manufacturers use date paste in sweets, food production, and other processed products. Officials believe those exports increased foreign currency inflows and improved profits for orchard owners.
The ministry also highlighted Iraq’s rich agricultural diversity. The country produces more than 600 date varieties, giving exporters broader opportunities in international trade. Some varieties target premium markets, while others support industrial food production. This diversity helps Iraq compete with other major date-producing countries in the region.
Iraq date exports also benefited from modern agricultural investments over recent years. Farmers introduced advanced irrigation systems to reduce water waste and improve crop quality. Agricultural teams expanded the use of tissue culture technology to strengthen palm tree production and increase long-term sustainability.
Officials confirmed that Iraq now has more than 22 million palm trees nationwide. Authorities continue large-scale programs to protect orchards from dangerous pests and plant diseases. Specialized teams conduct regular monitoring campaigns across farming regions to reduce crop damage and maintain productivity levels.
The ministry also intensified efforts against the Dubas bug and the Red Palm Weevil. Ground crews and aerial spraying operations targeted infected areas throughout the year. Officials believe these preventive measures helped preserve harvest quality and supported higher export volumes.
Economic experts say Iraq’s date exports could continue rising if authorities maintain support for farmers and agricultural infrastructure. Many analysts view the palm sector as a valuable source of national income outside the oil industry. They also expect processed date industries to create more jobs and attract additional private investment in the coming years.