Algeria Takes Action to Lower Meat Prices: Authorization Granted for Importation of Red and White Meats

BY: Hana Saada

Algiers, September 12, 2023 –In an effort to combat the skyrocketing prices of red and white meats that have been placing a heavy burden on consumers, Algeria has taken a decisive step by authorizing the importation of these essential food products. This strategic move, aimed at increasing the supply of meats in the market, was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in response to growing concerns over rising meat prices and their impact on citizens’ daily lives.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed in a public statement that it has opened the market to the importation of “frozen white meats.” Interested economic operators are encouraged to submit their applications to obtain health import authorizations via the digital platform between September 10 and September 20. Importers are also required to present an annual import program, ensuring a systematic and sustainable supply.

Furthermore, in a bid to provide more options for consumers and alleviate the meat crisis, the ministry has granted authorization for the importation of fresh, refrigerated, and vacuum-packed beef, as well as fresh, chilled, and frozen sheep meat. This decision encompasses both private and public operators and is expected to have a significant impact on stabilizing meat prices.

The need for such an intervention has become increasingly evident, as the prices of these essential food products have reached alarming levels. In supermarkets, white meat can cost consumers up to 650 Algerian Dinars (DA) per kilogram, while red meat prices range between 1500 and 2500 DA per kilogram, depending on the desired quality.

Hadj Tahar Boulenouar, the President of the National Association of Traders and Artisans (ANCA), emphasized the severity of the issue. “Over the past two years, prices of red and white meats have surged by more than 50%,” he stated in a recent interview.

President Boulenouar identified several key factors contributing to the price escalation. He highlighted the insufficient national meat production, which stands at less than one million tonnes annually, leaving a deficit of 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes compared to demand, which exceeds 1.5 million tonnes. Additionally, he pointed out the adverse effects of rising livestock feed prices and the halt in meat imports, which led to an imbalanced supply and demand, further driving up prices.

While acknowledging the immediate relief that meat imports will provide to consumers, President Boulenouar stressed that sustainable solutions lie in the promotion of national meat production and the organization of livestock markets. He also advocated for incentivizing livestock feed production as a long-term strategy to ensure a stable meat supply in the country.

In conclusion, Algeria’s decision to authorize the importation of red and white meats is a crucial step toward mitigating the challenges posed by exorbitant meat prices and improving the purchasing power of its citizens. However, as President Boulenouar rightly noted, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the root causes of this crisis and ensure the long-term stability of meat prices in the Algerian market.