The Dinar Is Recovering

July 26, 2025  Baghdad / Iraq Observer  
 
The US dollar in Iraq is witnessing significant  and sustained decline against the national dinar, following a significant period of fluctuation far from the official exchange rate.  This was not arbitrary,  but rather the result of a comprehensive economic policy pursued by the Iraqi government as part of a reform vision it envisioned within its program.  Amid escalating debate over the stability of the Iraqi market and the varying indicators associated with the dollar exchange rate, the  Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih,  issued detailed statements revealing the reasons for the continued decline in the value of the dollar on the parallel market,   compared to a significant rise in the strength of the Iraqi dinar.

He also emphasized that this  shift was not a coincidence,  but rather the direct result of a series of coordinated government measures across  monetary, fiscal, and  trade policies implemented over the past two years.
 
*4 main reasons 
 
Saleh attributed the decline in the dollar exchange rate on the parallel market,
     which is now approaching the official rate, to four main reasons. Speaking to Iraq Observer, he said,
 
"The 

Observers describe this step as "not just a technical choice,
but rather a comprehensive strategy to connect Iraqi banks to the international financial system without the need for dubious or unclearly compliant local channels.
 
Thus, the map of foreign transfers was redrawn to be conducted legally and regulated,  gradually reducing the influence of the parallel market and currency exchange companies, which had previously  acted as intermediaries between importers and exporters and  set prices as they pleased."
 
* Liberalization of small importers 
 
The third reason, according to the government advisor, relates to  “small importers’ access to the official foreign currency financing network  without the need for intermediaries from money transfer companies.
 
This has  enabled them to import at a fixed, official exchange rate and has contributed to   reducing costs and  enhancing compliance, especially since   this segment represents approximately 60% of the volume of foreign trade.” 

He emphasized that “this facilitation came about thanks to government measures that reduced administrative bureaucracy.”  With this opening,  exchange rates for these traders became fixed at the official rate (1,320 dinars to the dollar), which  caused the parallel market to lose a large segment of its customers,  who had been the primary fuel for the increased demand for dollars outside of official channels.  

He pointed out that the * Payment cards... another reason
 
fourth factor is the "expansion of the culture of using foreign currency electronic payment cards among travelers over the past two years,   rather than putting pressure on the cash dollar market, in addition to the availability of cash dollars to travelers at airports through national banks,   subject to flexible and highly compliant regulatory controls."
 
In the past, travelers preferred to carry large amounts of dollars in cash,   creating additional demand for hard currency in the local market,   especially during travel, tourism, or study seasons.

Consequently, the  switch to bank cards has contributed to  market stability and  reduced speculation. Saleh concluded his remarks by emphasizing that "the price defense policy adopted by the state, through the  establishment of cooperatives for consumer goods and the  construction basket funded at the official exchange rate of 1,320 dinars to the dollar, represents an integral part of the success of economic policy in Iraq,  through the harmonization of  monetary, financial, and   commercial efforts within the government program."
 
With the  continued flow of dollars into official channels, the expansion of financial oversight tools, and the  promotion of a culture of electronic payments,  the Iraqi dinar is now gradually approaching the rate officially set by the Central Bank of Iraq.
 
* Government efforts...the decisive role 
 
For his part, economic expert Safwan Qusay says that the dinar's appreciation against the dollar comes against the backdrop of the  Central Bank of Iraq's reserves rising to more than $97 billion, in addition to  gold reserves exceeding 132 tons.
 
This boosts  confidence in the Iraqi economy and  provides significant support to the value of the local currency.  In an interview with Iraq Observer, the economic expert emphasized the  positive outlook for increasing non-oil revenues and the  government's ongoing efforts to  halt gas  flaring and develop energy and development projects.  

He noted that adjusting the public spending structure toward sustainability plays a crucial role in achieving economic and financial stability.  

According to Qusay, maintaining and developing positive relations with the United States and the Gulf states could significantly boost the value of the Iraqi dinar,
especially following US President Donald Trump's speech encouraging support for US exports to Iraq.
 
Qusay emphasized that the  exit of Syria and Lebanon from the risk zone directly contributed to supporting financial stability in Iraq,  which positively impacted the dinar exchange rate.    https://observeriraq.net/الدينار-يستعيد-عافيته-أربع-ضربات-موجع/