AZE.US
Lamb prices in Azerbaijan may rise to 23 manats per kilogram ahead of Eid al-Adha, as seasonal demand adds fresh pressure to a meat market already affected by higher production costs.
In Baku, lamb is currently selling for around 21-22 manats per kilogram, while beef is priced at about 18 manats. Agricultural specialists say prices have already increased by around 50 gapiks per kilogram over the past month. They expect the cost of live animals to rise by another 1 manat during the holiday period.
The increase is not only a holiday effect. Economist Jafar Sadigov told NOCOMMENT.az that Azerbaijan’s meat market is being shaped by both demand and deeper structural problems in livestock production.
According to him, the number of animals in the country has been declining, while farmers are facing higher feed costs, limited grazing areas and drought linked to climate change. These pressures make it harder for producers to keep prices low.
“The farmer has to sell at a higher price in order to cover costs,” Sadigov said.
Another factor is the limited ability of farmers to sell directly to the market, especially in Baku. As a result, intermediary markups can push prices higher before meat reaches consumers.
Imports may help soften some of the pressure. Customs data shows that meat imports into Azerbaijan have increased, which should normally support supply and help stabilize prices. Warmer weather also gives animals better access to green feed, reducing some costs for farmers.
But experts say the Eid al-Adha factor can outweigh these stabilizing forces. Demand for small livestock traditionally rises sharply before the holiday, and many families try to buy an animal for sacrifice despite weaker purchasing power.
Sadigov said prices may stabilize somewhat after the holiday, but a major decline is unlikely unless domestic livestock production is strengthened and farmers’ costs are reduced. For now, the broader trend in the meat market remains upward.
AZE.US