Iraq added 240 MW/mo of new solar capacity in the most recent trailing 12 months, and over 90% of the modules landed at Umm Qasr were manufactured in China. This is the operational sourcing guide our desk uses with buyers active in Iraq — covering supplier vetting, MoE 7.5 GW plan compliance, IQD pricing dynamics, container-load economics and delivery timelines from Chinese factory gate to your site.
New capacity (TTM)
240 MW/mo
Iraq
China module share
90%+
@ Umm Qasr
Typical PO→arrival
45–70 days
CIF
Regulatory frame
MoE 7.5 GW plan
2026
Why Iraq matters in the China solar trade
Iraq's solar market is being reshaped by three structural forces: falling Chinese CIF pricing (now $0.108–0.128/W for 620W TOPCon), tightening MoE 7.5 GW plan rules, and the migration of financing from utility tenders into distributed C&I. Buyers who understand these dynamics compress landed cost by 8–14% versus generic sourcing.
Supplier shortlist for the Iraq market
- LONGi, JinkoSolar, JA Solar, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar — bankable tier-1 modules
- Sungrow, Huawei FusionSolar, GoodWe, Deye — inverters with local service depth
- CATL, BYD, EVE Energy, Pylontech — LFP battery storage
- Arctech, Antaisolar, Xiamen Grace — structures rated for local wind zones
Landed cost & Incoterms for Umm Qasr
Always benchmark CIF Umm Qasr rather than FOB Shanghai — freight, insurance and demurrage swings can move total landed cost by 6–9%. For Iraq specifically, factor in port dwell times, inland trucking cost per km, and IQD FX volatility if your PO is not USD-denominated.
| Cost line | % of CIF | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FOB module | 72–78% | Ex Shanghai / Ningbo |
| Ocean freight | 4–7% | 40'HC container |
| Marine insurance | 0.3–0.6% | All-risks |
| Port + destination charges | 3–5% | Umm Qasr |
| Local taxes & duties | 5–14% | MoE 7.5 GW plan |
Compliance checklist
- IEC 61215 ed.3 + IEC 61730 test reports valid in Iraq
- Local certifications required under MoE 7.5 GW plan
- Warranty documentation domiciled for local enforcement
- Anti-dumping / countervailing duty exposure review
- UN38.3 + MSDS for any lithium battery cargo
Timing & payment
For 2026 delivery slots, place orders 60–75 days before required arrival. Standard payment is 30% TT deposit, 70% against B/L copy — or 100% irrevocable LC at sight for orders above $300k. Push suppliers for a signed price re-open clause tied to polysilicon >$8/kg.
Frequently asked questions
QWhat are the current duties on Chinese solar imports to Iraq?
Duties vary by product and origin declaration; under MoE 7.5 GW plan the effective landed duty range is typically 0–14% for modules, plus VAT/GST. Always confirm with a licensed customs broker before finalising CIF quotes.
QWhich Chinese port is best for shipments to Umm Qasr?
Shanghai and Ningbo cover 70% of module volume; Xiamen and Guangzhou are common secondary ports. Ask the supplier for FOB flexibility so you can pick the cheapest weekly sailing.
QHow do we protect against price drops after PO?
Insert a downward-only price adjustment clause tied to a public index (e.g. Solarzoom or InfoLink weekly). Lock CIF freight separately with the forwarder to avoid double-exposure.
Post your specification on Chinese.Solar and our AI matches you to 3–5 verified tier-1 manufacturers in under 60 seconds — with live CIF pricing, factory audits and export track records.