For several years, the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have been among the top five markets for Turkish goods, sometimes ranking third after Germany and the UAE.

Reasons for Growth

The geographical proximity and the fact that Iraq’s only open border gate is located in the Kurdistan Region have made it a key entry point for Turkish products.

Export Statistics

According to Turkey’s Ministry of Trade, exports to the Kurdistan Region fell by 28% between February and May this year compared to the same period last year. Despite the decline, the region remains one of Turkey’s largest markets.

In early 2026, Turkey’s exports to Kurdistan and Iraq were led by fresh fruits and vegetables, which saw a remarkable surge compared to the previous year. The second strongest category was textiles, showing steady growth and maintaining its role as a key export. Meanwhile, furniture remained one of the largest sectors, though it experienced a decline from the prior year.