The Kurdistan Region plans to officially export surplus live chickens to central and southern Iraq after Jan. 15. The move follows a federal ban on imported frozen poultry. Officials say the step will fill market gaps and protect local prices.
Therefore, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources confirmed it is finalizing export arrangements with Baghdad. The plan aims to regulate poultry trade and improve coordination between Erbil and the federal government.
Firas Sadiq, Director of Animal Wealth at the ministry, said that authorities will launch the official export process soon. He said teams are working with federal institutions to approve clear transport and inspection procedures.
Furthermore, the Iraqi government will ban foreign frozen chicken imports starting Jan. 15. Officials expect this decision to reduce supply in central and southern provinces. As a result, domestic producers will need to meet rising demand.
Moreover, Sadiq explained that traders currently export live chickens in unofficial ways. Merchants often face repeated fees at checkpoints. The new system will replace these practices with legal and government-approved channels.
Additionally, the ministry stressed that exports will not harm local consumers. Officials will only export surplus production. They will also monitor supply levels closely to prevent price increases.
According to ministry data, the Kurdistan Region produces about 300,000 tons of chicken meat each year. Local demand stands at around 150,000 tons. This creates a surplus of nearly 150,000 tons annually.
“We will only export excess production,” Sadiq said. “This approach will keep prices stable inside the Kurdistan Region.”
The poultry sector relies on 2,005 farms across the region. These farms raise more than 105 million chickens every year. This capacity allows the region to supply external markets while meeting local needs.
As the Jan. 15 deadline approaches, coordination between Erbil and Baghdad continues. Officials say the new export framework will support Iraqi markets and protect consumers in the Kurdistan Region.
