Title: Government Outlines Strategic Shift in Red Meat Import Policy
In a detailed briefing, the Director-General of the Internal Trade Office at the Ministry of Agriculture has clarified the rationale behind recent adjustments to the country’s red meat import strategy, framing it as a managed transition to a new foreign currency allocation system.
Import Figures at a Glance
Official data reveals that for the first six months of the current Iranian year, a total of 27,500 tons of red meat was imported. This consisted of 18,100 tons of beef and 9,400 tons of mutton. A significant portion of the beef imports, approximately 13,400 tons, was frozen, with the remaining 4,700 tons being fresh meat.
A Comparative Analysis
The Director-General provided a comparative context, noting that while imports have seen significant increases compared to some previous years, there was a deliberate reduction compared to the same period in the previous year (1403). This was attributed to a strategic policy shift, which he detailed in his remarks.
A Phased Currency Policy Overhaul
The core of the explanation centered on a major policy change regarding the foreign currency used for imports. The official outlined a phased transition:
- Phase 1 (Until late May): Fresh meat imports were conducted entirely with preferential currency.
- Phase 2 (Mid-May to early July): A hybrid currency model was introduced, using 80% preferential and 20% market-based exchange rates.
- Phase 3 (From mid-July onward): A full transition was made to allocating 100% of the required foreign currency at the market-based rate from the Central Bank’s integrated forex system.
This carefully managed transition, necessitating administrative and procedural updates, resulted in a temporary pause and subsequent reduction in import volumes as the new system was implemented.
Ensuring a Streamlined National Distribution
The official also elaborated on the robust distribution network for imported meat. Under the previous system, fresh meat was channeled through the Livestock Support Company and the Meat and Protein Products Packaging Association for nationwide distribution, prioritizing fruit and vegetable markets and chain stores.
With the new market-based currency system, the process has been further refined. All imported meat must now be registered on the Livestock Support Company’s smart system. Its price is analyzed and approved by the relevant regulatory bodies before being distributed through authorized retail outlets across the country, ensuring both market stability and consumer access.