BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 30. Azerbaijan's expenses on poultry meat imports have significantly increased, Trend reports.
Official data shows that in the first eight months of this year, the country imported 8,147 tons of poultry meat worth almost $31.97 million, marking a growth of 27,700 tons in volume and $42.6 million in value compared to the same period last year.
The expenses for meat imports during this period accounted for 0.6 percent of Azerbaijan's total import expenses.
So how will the country's increased spending on poultry imports affect prices in the domestic market?
Commenting on the issue, Chairman of the Association of Poultry Meat and Egg Producers and Exporters of Azerbaijan Murat Hasanli said that the rising demand for meat in the country has led to increased imports.
He noted that the price difference between red meat and poultry has boosted the demand for chicken meat.
However, according to him, the country currently has sufficient supply of chicken meat.
"In general, it is possible that demand for meat imports has increased. But right now, we have no issues with chicken meat production. Production levels are adequate. Last year, we produced 150-160 thousand tons of chicken meat. This year, production is also nearly meeting demand. By the end of this year, production is expected to reach between 160 and 170 thousand tons of chicken meat," he emphasized.
"The rise in red meat prices has further increased demand for chicken meat. Additionally, healthier and cheaper chicken meat has influenced demand, which is growing every year," Hasanli added.