In the first quarter of 2026, poultry prices in Libya experienced a dramatic surge of approximately 92%, primarily driven by a combination of economic pressures and escalating operational costs. This increase can largely be attributed to the volatility of the exchange rate, as nearly 80% of the essential inputs required for poultry production are imported from foreign markets. This heavy reliance on imports has rendered the industry particularly susceptible to fluctuations in currency values, significantly impacting overall production costs.
One of the major contributors to the rising poultry prices has been the steep increase in feed costs, which have escalated by around 35%. As feed becomes more expensive, many poultry producers find themselves compelled to transfer these heightened costs onto consumers, resulting in poultry products becoming markedly more expensive at retail outlets.
Additionally, the poultry market is grappling with supply chain disruptions exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have further heightened price volatility. These disruptions not only affect the availability of imported goods but also strain domestic production capabilities.
In light of these challenging circumstances, a growing number of Libyan consumers are opting for imported poultry products, which are increasingly viewed as a more affordable alternative. This shift in consumer behavior is having a discernible impact on local poultry producers, who are struggling to maintain competitiveness in a landscape marked by rising costs and changing market dynamics. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how domestic producers will adapt to these pressures and whether they can sustain their market share in the face of increasing competition from imports.
