Amman, July 19 (Petra) -- Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat said Sunday that proactive measures implemented by the ministry have helped stabilize meat prices in the local market by strengthening supply chains, diversifying import sources and ensuring adequate supplies to safeguard food security and protect consumers.
According to a ministry statement, Khraisat said official data from the Department of Statistics show the effectiveness of these measures, with meat and poultry prices declining by 6.86% during the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The downward trend continued during the second quarter of this year, reflecting the success of policies aimed at increasing supply, expanding sourcing options and maintaining a balance between supply and demand.
The minister said Jordan has responded to changes in global meat markets by improving supply chain readiness, diversifying import sources and opening the market to imports from multiple approved origins that meet health and veterinary requirements. He added that the ministry has also strengthened cooperation with the private sector to ensure a steady flow of supplies and meet domestic demand.
Khraisat said local production remains a key pillar of Jordan's food security system, meeting between 35% and 42% of the Kingdom's red meat requirements, while the remaining demand is covered through imports from a diverse range of sources to reduce reliance on any single supplier.
He added that the ministry has expanded the list of approved import origins to around 21 sources for fresh, chilled and frozen meat, while opening new markets in accordance with approved health and veterinary standards. The measures have increased competition and broadened consumer choice.
Khraisat said the policies have boosted supplies in the local market and ensured strategic stock levels sufficient to meet the Kingdom's needs, enhancing the market's resilience to global price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
He added that the local market is currently well supplied with both locally produced and imported meat, noting that the recent decline in prices reflects increased supply relative to demand and has benefited consumers by bringing prices more in line with global market trends.
The minister stressed that the ministry's policy extends beyond ensuring adequate quantities to maintaining product safety and quality through continuous veterinary and technical inspections of approved import sources and verification that all health requirements are met before products enter the local market.
He said the ministry will continue monitoring market activity, supply and demand levels on a daily basis and take the necessary measures to maintain price stability and ensure the sustainable availability of essential food commodities. He added that the ministry's approach seeks to balance consumer protection, support for local production, diversification of supply sources and the strengthening of Jordan's national food security system.
//Petra// AJ
