EGYPT – Egypt is set to import significant quantities of live sheep and goats from Somalia and Djibouti, as announced by the African Livestock Importers Association.
This move aims to stabilize domestic meat prices and ensure sufficient supply, particularly in anticipation of the increased consumption during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
According to Ahmed Hafez, the head of the association, the decision comes in response to heightened local demand driven by the influx of expatriates and tourists, especially from Gulf countries.
“The prices of goats and sheep range between EGP 200 and EGP 230 per kilogram,” Hafez noted in a recent press release, emphasizing the surge in consumption of mutton and goat meat.
The rising demand has exerted pressure on the local market, resulting in elevated prices.
To mitigate this issue, Egyptian companies are turning to sustainable solutions, including the importation of livestock.
Hafez revealed that approximately 15,000 to 25,000 head of goats and sheep will be imported monthly through the Safaga area, which is equipped with veterinary quarantines prepared for immediate slaughter.
The imports are expected to provide meat at more affordable prices and bridge the gap between local production and consumption.
Hafez commended the agriculture and supply ministries for their support in streamlining import procedures and ensuring a prompt supply to the market.
Egypt’s annual meat consumption is around 2.5 million head, illustrating the need to address a production shortfall of at least 30%, Hafez explained.
He advocated for an increase in the number of veterinary quarantines to handle the large volumes of imported livestock, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining meat quality and safety, as well as expediting slaughter and distribution processes.
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