The cost of meat in Egypt has seen significant fluctuations in recent years, reflecting inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges, and currency depreciation. Between 2019 and 2023, both red meat and white chicken prices increased sharply, putting pressure on Egyptian households.
1. Red Meat Prices in Egypt (2019–2023)
Red meat, a dietary staple for many Egyptians, has witnessed some of the steepest price increases in the past five years:
- 2019: 140 EGP per kg
- 2020: 130 EGP per kg
- 2021: 150 EGP per kg
- 2022: 200 EGP per kg
- 2023: 350 EGP per kg
👉 After a slight decline in 2020, prices skyrocketed in 2022–2023, with a 75% jump between 2022 and 2023 alone, driven by global inflation, high feed costs, and currency devaluation.
2. White Chicken Prices in Egypt (2019–2023)
Chicken is often considered the most affordable protein source in Egypt. However, prices have also risen considerably:
- 2019: 28 EGP per kg
- 2020: 24 EGP per kg
- 2021: 30 EGP per kg
- 2022: 48 EGP per kg
- 2023: 67 EGP per kg
👉 From 2021 onward, poultry prices climbed rapidly due to higher imported feed costs (soybeans and corn), supply shortages, and rising energy prices affecting poultry farms.
3. Key Drivers Behind Rising Meat Prices
Several economic and structural factors have contributed to the surge in meat prices in Egypt:
- Currency depreciation: Importing animal feed and inputs became more expensive.
- Global inflation: Rising international food and fuel prices translated into higher domestic costs.
- Supply chain disruptions: Pandemic-related and geopolitical crises impacted global supply routes.
- Population growth: Increasing demand for protein added further pressure on the market.
4. Impact on Egyptian Households
- Red meat has become a luxury item, consumed less frequently by middle- and low-income families.
- Poultry remains the main protein source, but even chicken is no longer as affordable as before.
- Families are shifting toward cheaper protein alternatives such as fish, legumes, and eggs.
Final Thoughts
Between 2019 and 2023, meat prices in Egypt surged dramatically, with red meat jumping from 140 EGP to 350 EGP per kg, and white chicken rising from 28 EGP to 67 EGP per kg. These increases highlight the urgent need for domestic feed production, sustainable livestock farming, and inflation control policies to protect household food security.
