Ethiopia is to resume meat export to Qatar after a prolonged suspension, with trading set to restart ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, APA can report on Friday.
The recommencement of meat trading comes after an agreement reached between the two nations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
The long-standing meat trade between the two countries had stalled two years ago due to undisclosed reasons. Qatar had historically been a key export destination for Ethiopian meat products.
Ethiopia’s meat industry, once a steady foreign exchange earner, has faced mounting pressure in recent years due to domestic supply chain disruptions and rising production costs, particularly in animal feed.
The move is part of Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding its export base strengthening meat exports across the Middle East.
Ethiopia exports of meat and edible meat offal to Qatar was US$3.69 million during 2023, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.
East Africa’s second largest economy produces most of its meat from sheep and goats, with smaller amounts coming from cattle and chickens.
UAE and Qatar have been Ethiopia’s important market destinations where their yearly consumption particularly that of sheep and goat meat is increasing.
MG/as/APA