Iraq: Potato Market 2025

Potato Market Size in Iraq

In 2021, the Iraqi potato market decreased by -14.4% to $X for the first time since 2015, thus ending a five-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Potato consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Potato Production in Iraq

In value terms, potato production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a perceptible contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 100% against the previous year. Potato production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2021, the average yield of potatoes in Iraq contracted to X tons per ha, approximately equating the year before. Over the period under review, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 129%. The potato yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2020, and then declined in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The potato harvested area in Iraq fell notably to X ha in 2021, declining by -20.9% compared with 2020 figures. Overall, the harvested area continues to indicate a mild contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 129% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to potato production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Potato Exports

Exports from Iraq

In 2021, overseas shipments of potatoes decreased by -95.5% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. In general, exports showed a noticeable curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 1,339% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, potato exports declined dramatically to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a deep slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 754%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons) was the main destination for potato exports from Iraq, with a 97% share of total exports. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates (X kg), with a 2.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Turkey totaled +1.3%.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) remains the key foreign market for potato exports from Iraq, comprising 98% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 1.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Turkey totaled +6.8%.

Export Prices by Country

The average potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 42% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 98% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United Arab Emirates amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Turkey (+5.5%).

Potato Imports

Imports into Iraq

In 2021, purchases abroad of potatoes decreased by -10.4% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after five years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 225%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, potato imports plummeted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 119% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Turkey (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of potato to Iraq, with a 52% share of total imports. Moreover, potato imports from Turkey exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Egypt (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by the Netherlands (X tons), with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Turkey totaled +13.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Egypt (+37.6% per year) and the Netherlands (+10.4% per year).

In value terms, the largest potato suppliers to Iraq were Turkey ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and Egypt ($X), together accounting for 81% of total imports.

Among the main suppliers, Egypt, with a CAGR of +38.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average potato import price amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -9.2% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded pronounced growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the average import price increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Syrian Arab Republic ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (+10.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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