Kyrgyzstan Introduces Meat Price Regulation Amid Export Surge
In response to rising domestic meat prices and increasing livestock exports, Kyrgyzstan has introduced state regulation of meat pricing. The directive was issued by Bakyt Torobaev, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. According to the minister, the state will now monitor meat prices, track livestock movements, and impose restrictions on meat exports to neighboring countries. Torobaev also instructed the Antimonopoly Regulation Service (ARS) to maintain continuous oversight of price trends and conduct market analysis across the country. Ministry specialists are expected to carry out inspections and engage with vendors to prevent unjustified price hikes. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that all relevant departments have been mobilized to implement the directive. Veterinary, livestock, and pasture authorities have been tasked with strengthening sanitary oversight of livestock transportation. These efforts will be coordinated with the Border Service to combat smuggling. Unregulated livestock exports, particularly of native Kyrgyz sheep breeds, have long been a concern for authorities. Strong demand from neighboring countries has created domestic supply shortages, contributing to annual price increases of approximately 10%. Uzbekistan remains the primary destination for Kyrgyz meat and livestock exports. In addition to meat products, Uzbekistan imports live sheep for breeding purposes. According to the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan exported 233,000 live goats and sheep valued at $23.5 million and 130,000 head of cattle worth $24.5 million to Uzbekistan in 2024. Some of this livestock is subsequently transported from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan. The new price regulation measures are part of broader government efforts to ensure national food security and stabilize prices in the domestic market.
