On Sunday, April 20, 2025, the U.S. government announced the implementation of a 39 percent tariff on imported goods originating from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. This policy, introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration, is expected to significantly raise the cost of Kurdish products entering the U.S. market.
Despite the trade barrier, the demand for Kurdish food products in the United States has been growing steadily. These goods are increasingly visible not only on supermarket shelves but also in the culinary offerings of various restaurants that focus on Middle Eastern cuisine.
A U.S.-based restaurant owner who specializes in regional dishes shared that Kurdish ingredients play a key role in their menu. One specific example is tahin, a sesame paste integral to many Middle Eastern recipes. After establishing a direct partnership with a tahin producer in the Kurdistan Region, the restaurateur began importing the product independently, citing superior quality and authenticity.
While such direct trade relationships reflect a positive trend in economic ties and cultural exchange, the newly imposed tariffs present a considerable threat. The steep increase in import costs may hinder the competitiveness of Kurdish goods in the American market, potentially discouraging further trade and investment.
As the Kurdistan Region seeks to expand its international trade footprint, particularly in the food sector, policy developments such as these will play a decisive role in shaping the region’s export strategy and economic resilience.
