Imported meat prices to raise

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

There are enough livestocks in Turkey to meet demand, says a deputy. AA photo

The Turkish government is preparing to hike tax on imported meat and livestock after the Eid al-Adha holiday, also known as Feast of Sacrafice, a deputy of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has said.

The customs duties imposed on imported livestock will be increased to 40 percent from the current level of 30 percent and the duty will be increased from 75 percent to 100 percent on meat, Yunus Kılıç said yesterday.

The Agriculture Ministry put a ban on livestock imports during Eid al-Adha to support local livestock growers, which helped nudge prices up a little, he said.

Before the ban on livestock imports local growers almost went out of business as prices plunged while costs including fodder increased substantially, he said. But prices are still not at desired levels despite some improvement, he said.

An animal surplus during Eid al-Adha indicated there is no shortage of livestock in Turkey, he said. “In particular periods in the past importing [livestock and meat] was a necessity. But now that the prices tend to change against the [interests of] local growers, we must show reflex to protect the growers this time,” he said.