The Iraq Wheat Council has bought 50,000 tonnes of wheat from Romania for around USD 13 million, according to Reuters newswire. This means Romania sold wheat at a price of USD 258 per ton. Iraq has bought 350,000 tonnes of wheat in total from other countries, such as Australia, Canada, Russia and the US. The price paid for the wheat bought from Romania was the lowest among the countries where Iraq acquired its wheat reserve. Thenhighest price was paid for Canadian wheat, USD 292.75 a ton.

The Iraq state is one of the biggest importer of wheat and rice, using these reserves to fuel a public system which rationalizes food.

The Iraqi Wheat Council was set up in 1939 and is part of the country's Trade Ministry. The body manages the wheat imports, as well as the imports of other food products, including the production and its distribution to the population.