Lebanon’s Exports to Iraq Jump 67% to Nearly $597 Million in Q2: Which Products Led the Growth?
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The Arab Post
- . October 11, 2026
- . Update: October 11, 2026 6:14 pm
Lebanon’s exports to Iraq jumped by a staggering 67.2% to nearly USD 597m in Q2-2026.In Q2-2026, exports to Iraq jumped by an exorbitant 67.2% to nearly USD 597m. This dramatic rise was largely due to raw materials, industrial machinery, and agriculture products, which mirrored a growing economic lifeline to Beirut in the face of continuing challenges in the region.
The value of Lebanon’s exports to Iraq jumped 67.2% in the second quarter of 2026, reaching $597 million, officially. This dramatic jump reflects an important economic transition that has taken place in Beirut’s trade relations, in which Iraq has established itself as one of the most important trading partners in the country.
The latest Trade Map data from International Trade Centre (ITC) shows overall exports rose by $240 million in three months. During the first three months of this year, Lebanon exported $357 million to Iraq.
This is one of the best quarterly results in recent years of the bilateral trade between Lebanon and Iraq. The strength of this relationship could be a lifesaver for Lebanon, in terms of foreign currency inflows, during a prolonged domestic pressure.
Which Products Led the $597 Million Surge?
Historically, considerable amounts of consumer goods are shipped to Iraq from Lebanon, but a considerable increase is detected with Q2 data in the case of industrial and manufacturing goods. The record volume of exports was mainly due to materials needed for Iraqi infrastructure and development.
Top commodities driving this growth are:
- Industrial Metals: Copper waste and copper scrap, unwrought lead, aluminium and iron scrap.
- Agriculture & Chemicals: Phosphate fertilizers, and natural calcium phosphates.
- Infrastructure Equipment: Electrical transformers, to help Iraq stabilize its national power grid.
- Consumer Goods: Clothing, as well as prepared fruits and nuts.
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties
The surge in Lebanon’s exports to Iraq jibed recent efforts by both countries’ leaders to enhance bilateral relations. The two countries have been actively trying to enhance economic cooperation, with Lebanon’s Ministry of Economy and Trade and Iraq’s Ministry of Trade playing a crucial role.
Iraq is still an important market for Lebanese products. Iraq’s consistent ranking, based on historical data from The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), is one of the five biggest export markets for Lebanon.
The recent milestone in the second quarter has definitely positioned Baghdad as a main trade outlet for Lebanese manufacturers. The increase, reported by Shafaq News, reflects the strength of Lebanese industries in the face of the internal problems of the supply chain.
Why it really counts: With Lebanon still in the throes of massive economic problems, the 67% rise in exports to Iraq is a welcome economic windfall. The huge flow of $597 million in Q2 illustrates a viable trade corridor to support Lebanon’s industrial sector and its stability for the rest of the year.
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