Khaberni - The head of the Livestock Breeders Association, Za'al Kowalit, revealed that the prices of local and imported meats have seen a noticeable decline over the past few days, a change from what they were weeks ago.
Kowalit explained that prices gradually fell, with the price of local lamb and kid ranging between 7.5 to 8 dinars per kilogram slaughtered, while the price of Romanian lamb dropped to around 7 dinars, a level close to the prices of local meats, according to Al Rai newspaper.
This decrease, according to Kowalit, has led local consumers to increasingly prefer local meat over Romanian, significantly weakening the demand for the latter, especially with the prices being close.
The price of local “Ramsi” remained at around 12 dinars per kilogram, a price that is recognized both in peak seasons and outside, according to Kowalit.
He also stated that Syrian meats are sold at prices close to Jordanian meats, which has increased competition within the market.
Kowalit urged consumers to seek lower prices and avoid dealing with some traders who excessively raise prices, emphasizing that the price differences are very clear. He noted that the entry of Syrian sheep into the market for the first time this year, along with the importation of large quantities of Syrian kid, has led to an abundance in supply and a noticeable decrease in prices at the breeders.
He pointed out that the weakening purchasing power of citizens and increasing financial obligations on consumers have reduced the local demand for meat during the autumn transition period.
Regarding exports, Kowalit disclosed that the amount exported to the Gulf markets has exceeded 600,000 head of sheep since the reopening of the export door, noting that operations will continue until the end of the year, but are currently experiencing a noticeable slowdown due to some official instructions and the suspension of several farms, in addition to a decrease in the demand from the Gulf.
According to Kowalit, more than 80,000 workers are employed in the livestock sector, including breeders and those involved in fattening and dairy production, most of whom are Jordanians.
