Why is meat getting more expensive in Uzbekistan and neighboring countries?

Kun.uz previously reported a sharp increase in meat prices in Uzbekistan starting from late February. According to the National Statistics Committee, in March alone, lamb prices rose by 9.1%, and beef by 8.8%.

This trend is not unique to Uzbekistan — similar patterns are being seen across the region.

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the issue of rising beef prices has become one of the most discussed topics. Since the beginning of the year, prices have increased by 5.6%.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, attributed this to increased demand from neighboring countries — specifically Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

However, Maksut Baktibayev, Director General of the Meat Union of Kazakhstan, disagreed with the minister’s assessment. He argued that the primary reason behind the price hikes is a decline in domestic supply.

“The claim that exports of livestock and meat to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan caused the price increase has not been substantiated. The real reason is the drop in supply — that is, the shrinking number of cattle in the country,” Baktibayev said.

According to him, the situation worsened after livestock exports were banned in 2019. As a result, beef prices almost doubled in a short period.

“Exporters who supplied meat to Uzbekistan immediately exited the market due to the imposed restrictions. Only domestic intermediaries serving processing plants and urban markets remained. We had 8 million head of cattle, and with a small domestic market, dumping began. Meat was bought at 1,500–1,600 tenge per kg — 20% below production cost. This situation lasted 4–5 years. Since cattle farming became unprofitable, around 2 million head were slaughtered in a short time.

Now we have a shortage. When meat is scarce, buyers go directly to farms and feeding sites. Wholesale prices have reached 3,000 tenge per kg, and retail prices up to 4,000 tenge. As a result, meat is now being imported from Belarus at 2,800 tenge per kg,” he explained.

To address the issue, Baktibayev proposed enacting legislation to prohibit any sudden one-day bans and to establish clear compensation mechanisms for farmers. He also suggested setting a specific quota for exports to Uzbekistan without restrictions.

In summary, export bans have led to reduced incomes for farmers and a decline in investment in livestock breeding. Consequently, the number of cattle in Kazakhstan has decreased.