Iran, Turkey import restrictions cause spike in meat prices

SULAYMANIYAH — Red meat prices in the Kurdistan Region have surged due to import restrictions and bans on live animal transit imposed by Iran and Turkey.

Awat Mohammed, the qaymaqam of Sulaymaniyah, told 964media that the price increase is a result of the prevention of live animal imports from neighboring countries, especially Iran’s ban on live animal transit and Turkey’s strict import regulations.

Mohammed noted the challenges of importing live animals into the Kurdistan Region, stating that air transport is the only feasible route, which comes with high transportation costs and does little to lower meat prices.

Without local livestock production, Mohammed warned, red meat prices could have risen even more.

To address the issue, the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture announced a 50% reduction in the red meat import tax for one year last February.

The ministry also expects the arrival of 17,000 to 19,000 head of cattle from Brazil soon. This decision follows controversy over a shipment in Cape Town, where the Al Kuwait carried 19,000 cattle under poor conditions, leading to global criticism from animal rights and environmental groups.

Over the past month, red meat prices have significantly increased in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, with the cost of one kilogram of red meat in the region now exceeding 23,000 Iraqi dinars.

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