Potato Market Overview in Iraq

In , the Iraqi potato market decreased by -% to $, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption showed a pronounced expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 when the market value increased by % y-o-y. Potato consumption peaked at $ in 2013; however, from 2014 to , consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, potato production surged to $ in estimated in export prices. Over the period under review, production showed a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2011 when the production volume increased by % against the previous year. Potato production peaked in and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

The average yield of potatoes in Iraq amounted to tonnes per ha in , rising by % against the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield continues to indicate pronounced growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the yield increased by % year-to-year. The potato yield peaked at tonnes per ha in 2011; however, from 2012 to , the yield failed to regain the momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The potato harvested area in Iraq reduced to ha in , waning by -% against the year before. In general, the harvested area continues to indicate a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the harvested area increased by % y-o-y. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to potato production attained the maximum at ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to , the harvested area failed to regain the momentum.

In , consumption of potatoes decreased by -% to tonnes, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, consumption showed a pronounced descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the consumption volume increased by % against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption attained the peak volume at tonnes in 2013; however, from 2014 to , consumption failed to regain the momentum.

The size of the potato market in Iraq reduced to $ in , shrinking by -% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption recorded pronounced growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2011 when the market value increased by % y-o-y. Potato consumption peaked at $ in 2013; however, from 2014 to , consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Depressed by shrinking demand for potato in Iraq, the market is expected to continue its downward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of -% for the period from to , which is projected to depress the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

In , the share of imports in total consumption accounted for % in value terms and % in physical terms. The share of imports remained relatively constant over the period under review.

Iraq remains a net importer of potato; in physical and value terms, imports consistently exceeded exports from 2007 to . In , there was a significant trade deficit of tonnes, which was equal to $. This tangible trade deficit reflects the fact that the market remains dependent on imports, which is likely to continue in the medium term.