AZE.US
Azerbaijan has temporarily suspended egg exports as producers shift supplies to the domestic market ahead of the Novruz holiday period.
The move is intended to ensure stable local supply, but it has not yet brought down prices. Sellers say egg prices, particularly for village eggs, remain elevated despite the export pause.
Retail traders say their markups are minimal and that the price increase is being driven mainly by seasonal factors. Village eggs are currently being bought for around 30 gapiks and sold for about 35 gapiks each.
According to vendors, prices tend to rise in winter when output falls, while spring usually brings some relief as production improves.
Consumers continue to favor village eggs, though many say prices remain too high. Sellers, meanwhile, point to rising feed costs and broader pressure on small-scale producers.
Economist Khalid Karimli said large poultry farms account for roughly 90% of Azerbaijan’s egg market, while only about 10% comes from small household producers. That means pricing is determined primarily by large-scale producers.
He added that village eggs are more expensive because they are produced in smaller volumes and at a higher cost. The price gap with industrial eggs can widen further depending on the season.
Karimli said the decision by poultry complexes to focus on the domestic market for a period reflects business considerations rather than direct state price controls. Producers decide whether to export or sell locally based on market conditions.
The Azerbaijan Association of Egg Producers and Exporters said the immediate goal is to ensure full and stable supply to the domestic market. Egg exports are expected to resume after Novruz.