The Minister of Agriculture, Saeb Khreizat, confirmed that the current stability of meat prices in the local market is the result of proactive measures taken by the ministry. These steps aimed to manage global market challenges and enhance the readiness of the supply chain, ensuring meat availability, maintaining the Kingdom's food security, and protecting consumer interests.
اضافة اعلان
According to a ministry statement on Sunday, Khreizat explained that official price indices from the Department of Statistics reflected the positive impact of these measures. Meat and poultry prices dropped by 6.86% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This downward trend continued into the second quarter of this year compared to Q2 2025, proving the effectiveness of the ministry's policies in boosting supply, diversifying import origins, and balancing supply and demand in the local market.
The Minister pointed out that the Kingdom managed global fluctuations in meat markets by upgrading the supply chain, diversifying import origins, and opening doors to imports from multiple approved sources that meet health and veterinary requirements. Additionally, the ministry strengthened partnerships with the private sector to ensure a steady flow of necessary quantities to meet local market needs.
He noted that local production serves as a core pillar of the national food security system, covering about 35–42% of the Kingdom's red meat needs. The remaining demand is met through imports from various sources, which enhances supply sustainability and reduces the risks of relying on a single source.
He added that the ministry worked on increasing the flexibility of meat supply chains by expanding the pool of approved origins to nearly 21 different sources for fresh, chilled, and frozen meat. It also opened new markets according to approved health and veterinary standards, which boosted competition and provided consumers with multiple choices.
The Minister stressed that these measures increased supply levels in the local market and built a safe strategic reserve that fulfills the Kingdom's needs. This strengthened the market's ability to face global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, directly stabilizing prices.
He further stated that the local market is currently seeing an abundance of both local and imported meat. The drop in prices during the current period is due to supply levels outstripping demand, leading to a price balance that benefits the consumer and aligns market prices with global developments.
He emphasized that the policy for providing meat is not limited to securing quantities but also includes ensuring product safety and quality through ongoing veterinary and technical oversight at approved origins, verifying full compliance with all health requirements before products enter local markets.
He also reaffirmed that the ministry continues its daily monitoring of market movements, supply, and demand, taking all necessary steps to maintain price stability and the sustainable availability of essential food commodities. He noted that the ministry's approach balances consumer protection, local production support, supply source diversification, and the resilience of the national food security system, guaranteeing that meat remains available in sufficient quantities across all seasons and circumstances.
