Saudi Arabia places ban on meat imports from Ethiopia

14 April, 2009

Meat International - Saudi Arabia has suspended the import of meat from Ethiopia, reports state. According to reports, the imports were banned due to health concerns - the meat imports from Ethiopia have been stopped and will only resume after making sure that certain requirements are met by Ethiopia.

Sold for cheaper

"Due to their [the Saudis] decision without warning us earlier, we were forced to sell our products at cheaper prices because we already had prepared large consignments to send to the Kingdom," said Tamrat Ejigu, secretary general of Ethiopian Meat Producers, Exporters Association (EMPEA).

Reason for suspension

The Kingdom's reason for suspending Ethiopian meat imports were not clearly stated; reports state that it is because of some conditions which were not adhering to the regulations in terms of the sanitation of the slaughtered meat.

"Failing to export to our biggest meat importer, Saudi Arabia, for almost the last three weeks means a big loss for us," an official of the meat exporting enterprise said.

Saudi Arabia is the biggest buyer of Ethiopian meat, accounting for about 40% of shipments.

A re-inspection of abattoirs in Ethiopia is to take place.