Egypt’s food markets recorded uneven price movements in mid-December, highlighting the contrasting dynamics shaping the country’s protein supply chains. While poultry prices continued to decline, offering some relief to households, red meat prices moved in the opposite direction, reinforcing concerns over affordability for higher-priced animal proteins. These shifts reflect broader economic pressures, seasonal production patterns, and ongoing adjustments in supply and demand across Egypt’s food sector.
Poultry, which remains one of the most accessible and widely consumed protein sources in Egypt, maintained a downward price trend. White chicken prices held steady on the day under review, but remained noticeably lower compared to both the previous month and the same period last year. This sustained decline suggests improved availability in the domestic market, supported by relatively stable production levels and gradual easing of input costs, particularly feed prices. For many Egyptian families facing rising living expenses, poultry continues to serve as a critical alternative to more expensive proteins, helping to stabilize household food budgets.
The decline in poultry prices also signals improved efficiency across parts of the poultry value chain. Producers appear to be responding to earlier market disruptions by increasing output and streamlining distribution, allowing supply to better match consumer demand. Additionally, government efforts to support domestic poultry production and regulate market practices may be contributing to greater price stability. As poultry remains central to national food security, any sustained moderation in prices carries significant social and economic importance.
In contrast, red meat prices recorded a noticeable increase, underscoring the structural challenges facing Egypt’s livestock sector. Beef prices rose compared to the previous day, reflecting persistent cost pressures tied to animal feed, veterinary services, transportation, and limited local supply. Unlike poultry, red meat production typically involves longer production cycles and higher capital requirements, making it more vulnerable to inflationary forces. As a result, red meat continues to drift further out of reach for many consumers, widening the affordability gap between different protein sources.
Fish prices added another layer of complexity to the food price landscape. Tilapia, a staple in Egyptian diets, experienced a modest price increase, although longer-term comparisons suggest some softening compared to earlier months. Seasonal factors, fuel costs for fishing operations, and fluctuating feed prices in aquaculture all play a role in shaping fish market trends. While fish remains a mid-range protein option, price volatility continues to influence consumer purchasing decisions.
Other everyday food items showed mixed trends that mirrored the broader uncertainty in the market. Milk prices edged slightly higher on a daily basis, though they remain lower than recent monthly averages, while egg prices declined marginally. The drop in egg prices aligns with the easing poultry market, as eggs often follow similar production and feed cost patterns. These movements suggest that certain segments of the food sector are benefiting from improved supply conditions, even as others remain under pressure.
Overall, Egypt’s food price picture reflects a market in transition. Poultry’s price stability and gradual decline offer a rare point of relief amid broader inflationary concerns, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of affordable nutrition. However, rising red meat prices and uneven trends across other proteins highlight the ongoing challenges facing producers and consumers alike. As economic conditions evolve, maintaining balance within the food system will remain essential to protecting consumer purchasing power and ensuring consistent access to key dietary staples across the country.
