Nearly 5,000 kilograms of gold entered the Kurdistan Region through its two international airports during the first half of 2026. Erbil International Airport handled the largest share of imports. However, Iraq’s total gold imports fell sharply compared with last year.
Official figures show that 4,889 kilograms of gold arrived through Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports between January and June.
Erbil remained the Region’s main gateway. It received more than 3,800 kilograms of imported gold. Sulaymaniyah International Airport handled 1,089 kilograms during the same period.
Monthly data from Sulaymaniyah showed that January recorded the highest volume at 448 kilograms. Imports reached 288 kilograms in February. They dropped to 47 kilograms in March and only 8 kilograms in April. Volumes then recovered to 76 kilograms in May and 222 kilograms in June.
Officials from Sulaymaniyah’s Directorate of Standardization and Quality Control said inspectors approved every shipment. They did not reject any imported gold during the first six months of the year.
Figures from Darsan Gold International (DGI) also confirmed Erbil’s leading role. The company reported that more than 3,800 kilograms of gold entered through Erbil Airport by mid-June.
Across Iraq, gold imports declined significantly. The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control reported 10,247 kilograms of imports between January and May 2026. During the same period in 2025, imports reached 25,472 kilograms. This represents a decline of almost 60 percent.
Officials linked the decline to several factors. Higher global gold prices reduced consumer demand. Regional security tensions also disrupted air travel. In addition, authorities introduced the ASYCUDA electronic customs system. The new procedures increased inspections and required importers to adjust to updated customs rules.
Under Iraqi regulations, traders may import gold only through international airports. Baghdad remained the country’s largest entry point. Erbil followed as the Kurdistan Region’s main hub for precious metals. Despite the nationwide slowdown, the airport continued to play a key role in supplying the local gold market.
