Source: iJET International

Iraq Bans Dozens of Iranian-made Products: Officials from the Iraqi Chamber of Commerce announced April 17 that the country imposed a ban on importing 63 Iranian-made products due to their poor quality. It is not clear what items Iraq will stop importing from Iran, but the country has already increased tariffs on Iranian products and decreased imports of Iranian cement and dairy products.

Analysis: The economies of both countries are in dire need of recovery and improvement. Iraq is planning a major reconstruction effort that is to begin following the parliamentary elections on May 12. The country experienced massive and widespread damage to its infrastructure during the war with IS and other militant groups. Poor economic conditions in Iran have regularly driven people into the streets to protest unemployment, poverty, and mismanagement of public funds. Iran's economy has not significantly improved despite promises from President Hassan Rouhani. Baghdad's decision to restrict imports could deal a major blow to the Iranian economy. It remains to be seen whether this decision will seriously harm the two countries' relations as Tehran has been a major supporter of Baghdad in its fight against IS.