Iraqi traders organized a peaceful protest outside the Customs Department in Baghdad, responding to a government decision to increase tariffs on goods and commodities. This decision caught many traders off-guard, with some describing it as extremely unfair. The resulting increase in customs fees has not only angered traders but has also affected consumers, as the new tariffs have resulted in higher prices for goods and a decrease in purchasing power.

The traders argue that the new customs fees have led to market stagnation and significant financial losses. One trader remarked on the suddenness of the new customs law, stating that there was no prior notification to the traders about this change. They expressed concerns about the excessive prices labeled under the new tariff regime and highlighted that these burdens settle almost exclusively on the shoulders of consumers.

The peaceful protest was communicated as a message to the Iraqi government, emphasizing that the private sector should have a say in such critical decisions. Traders warned of an impending crisis should the government continue to dismiss the concerns of the private sector, indicating possible closures or civil disobedience from companies and importers. Moreover, the traders pointed out that such government decisions, accompanied by penalties, are not new and continue to affect the already struggling economy.