Despite the surge in domestic meat prices, Pakistan achieved a significant milestone by exporting a record 100,194 tonnes of meat and meat preparations in FY23, surpassing the previous peak of 95,648 tonnes in FY21.
The country earned foreign exchange of $427 million during FY23, showing an increase from $331 million in FY21.
The exporters fetched an average per tonne price (APT) of $4,258 compared to $3,467 in FY21. This remarkable growth in exports represented a 30 percent increase in quantity and a 25 percent increase in value compared to 76,868 tonnes ($341 million) in FY22, with an APT of $4,436.
Despite these positive export figures, meat dealers continue to blame higher exports as a reason for pushing up domestic prices. According to the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), beef with bone (average quality) is now priced at Rs600-1,050 per kg, a notable increase from Rs400-700 per kg in June 2021.
The national average price of mutton (average quality) also surged to Rs1,400-2,000 per kg from Rs810-1,350 in June 2021.
However, some experts believe that linking the increase in local meat prices to exports is a misconception created by market retailers.
According to Saqib Butt, CEO of PK Livestock, the 100,000 tonnes of exports represent only 10 days of consumption in Pakistan. He stated that meat exports have reached a saturation point and have not shown any significant jump in the last two years.
To further boost exports, targeting markets like Iran and Afghanistan through legal channels could be explored. New markets like Egypt have also emerged, and exporters are exploring opportunities in Jordan and Malaysia.
Nevertheless, Pakistani exporters face stiff competition from African countries, which offer competitive prices for shipments to the Midd