Decrease in Red Meat Prices in the Kurdistan Region
Compared to two months ago, red meat prices in the Kurdistan Region have declined, with significant price drops recorded in both mutton and beef.
A noticeable drop in red meat prices has been observed across the Kurdistan Region over the last two months. While the price of a kilogram of mutton decreased by about 4,000 dinars and beef by about 2,000 dinars, officials reported that this decline is due to seasonal conditions.
Current Meat Prices by City
According to research conducted in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, red meat prices show minor differences between cities.
In Erbil, a kilogram of lamb and kid meat finds buyers between 21,000 and 23,000 dinars, while in Sulaymaniyah these prices range between 22,000 and 24,000 dinars.
Views of Butchers and Industry Representatives
Idris Surchi, a butcher and livestock trader in Erbil, stated that a kilogram of live-weight lamb meat comes to 8,500 dinars and is sold in butcher shops for between 21,000 and 23,000 dinars.
Jamal Hussein, the Director of Livestock in Sulaymaniyah, stated that meat prices have dropped to some extent and the price of a kilogram of lamb ranges between 22,000 and 24,000 dinars.
Comparison with August
While a kilogram of beef is currently sold between 18,000 and 22,000 dinars, it was stated that this price range was between 22,000 and 24,000 dinars in August.
During the same period, a kilogram of lamb was finding buyers between 25,000 and 28,000 dinars.
Supply Situation in Veal
Idris Surchi emphasized that the sharp decline in lamb meat was not experienced at the same rate in veal and that the reason for this was the low supply of heifers and calves.
Sûrçi stated that they buy the wholesale kilogram of calf and heifer meat for 20,000 dinars and deliver it to citizens for 22,000 dinars, and that in some markets tender meat can be sold under the name of veal for 17,000 to 18,000 dinars.
Imports and Seasonal Factors
Jamal Hussein, Director of Livestock in Sulaymaniyah, noted that cattle are imported from Georgia, Armenia, Brazil, and Iran, and there are no problems with the meat of these animals.
Hussein said that due to the increase in maintenance costs during the autumn and winter months, some animal owners brought their animals to the market, which was effective in lowering prices by increasing domestic supply.
Price Difference Between Districts and City Center
The Director of Livestock in Sulaymaniyah stated that meat prices in districts and sub-districts are at lower levels compared to the city center.
While the main reason for this situation is that butchers in rural areas are also animal breeders and do their own slaughtering, it was stated that slaughter costs in cities constitute a separate expense.