Imported meat is becoming more expensive in Azerbaijan despite a sharp increase in shipments, with some products rising by 2-3 manats per kilogram over the past year, market participants say.
Azerbaijan imported 37,939 metric tons of meat worth $89.37 million in January-September 2026, according to customs data reported by Marja. A year earlier, imports totaled 33,321 tons valued at $75.77 million.
That represents an increase of 4,618 tons, or 13.9%, in physical volume and $13.60 million, or 17.9%, in value. The average statistical import value rose from about $2.27 to $2.36 per kilogram, although that figure is not the retail price.
Retail Prices Climb
Buyers in Ujar told a television report that imported meat previously sold for 11-12 manats per kilogram now costs 14-15 manats. One person said Ukrainian meat had risen from 13-14 manats to 16-17 manats, while local meat was selling for 18-20 manats.
Prices vary by outlet and cut. At one store shown in the report, boneless imported beef started at 12 manats per kilogram and loin sold for 13.50 manats. Local boneless beef at the same outlet cost 19-25 manats.
Seller Abbas Veliyev said imported beef had risen by about 1-1.50 manats per kilogram from a year earlier and lamb by 2-2.50 manats. Young lamb that previously cost 13.50-14 manats was selling for 15.50-16 manats, he said.
Veliyev attributed the increase to lower supply in exporting countries and higher transportation costs. He said cafes and restaurants account for 60-70% of his customers because they need large quantities of specific cuts, sometimes 30-50 kilograms a day.
Economist Sees No Near-Term Price Relief
Economist Eldaniz Amirov linked the trend to broader problems in livestock farming and rising domestic consumption. He said cattle numbers had declined by 8% and sheep and goat numbers by 16%.
Higher global prices, feed, energy and livestock-sector service costs are also putting upward pressure on prices, Amirov said. He argued that expanding imports alone is unlikely to make meat cheaper without stronger support for domestic livestock production.
Source: Vesti Baku; television report; customs-data report