Prices for meat in Egyptian markets are currently experiencing a significant surge, with increases reported across all types and in markets throughout the country’s governorates.
Meat is a crucial commodity for Egyptian consumers, with domestic production reaching 600,000 tons annually, while total consumption is around 1 million tons per year.
Meat Prices in Egyptian Markets
Today, increases in meat prices across Egyptian markets ranged from 20 to 30 Egyptian pounds per kilogram, depending on the type.
Current prices for red meat in Egypt include:
- Kandouz: between 410 and 430 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
- Betlo: from 420 to 450 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
- Sheep: from 430 to 460 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
- Gamly: from 360 to 390 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
- Local Flank Steak: 420 Egyptian pounds.
- Liver: from 420 to 460 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
- Ground Meat: from 370 to 400 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
- Sausage: from 370 to 400 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
- Government Outlets: from 280 to 300 Egyptian pounds per kilogram.
Plans to Increase Red Meat Production in Egypt
The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation is planning to expand local meat production this year, aiming for higher levels of self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on imports.
Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, stated that the ministry aims to reach 10 million heads of high-productivity livestock by 2029 to provide 70% of the country’s red meat needs. He also noted that Egypt has already achieved 98% self-sufficiency in poultry and 100% in table eggs.
Protecting Livestock a Top Priority
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched intensive and surprise inspection campaigns across all governorates, under the direction of Minister Alaa Farouk, to combat the practice of premature calf slaughter (Betlo) and slaughtering outside of approved abattoirs. These efforts are being coordinated with relevant regulatory and security agencies.
The Minister affirmed that the Egyptian state prioritizes the protection and development of livestock, and highlighted the provision of substantial logistical, technical, and financial support to farmers through subsidized loans and financing exceeding 10 billion and 408 million Egyptian pounds for the Betlo project. Approximately 46,000 beneficiaries have benefited from this support, raising around 528,000 heads of cattle. He emphasized that there is no legal or economic justification for slaughtering young cattle given this support.
Engineer Mustafa El-Sayyad, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, explained that these campaigns aim to protect young livestock from waste to increase local meat production, as well as prevent commercial fraud and ensure that safe and healthy meat reaches citizens, in addition to limiting the rise in meat prices resulting from a shortage of livestock due to excessive slaughter.
The Ministry has stressed the require to intensify field monitoring and strict enforcement of the law against anyone who compromises public health or wastes the country’s economic resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the increase in meat prices?
Prices have increased by 20 to 30 Egyptian pounds per kilogram across all types of meat in Egyptian markets.
What is the government doing to address the issue?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation is planning to expand local meat production and has launched inspection campaigns to combat premature calf slaughter.
How much meat does Egypt currently produce?
Egypt currently produces 600,000 tons of meat annually.
As Egypt navigates these rising meat prices and works towards greater self-sufficiency, what role do you believe consumer habits and dietary choices will play in shaping the future of the nation’s food security?
