Turkey to increase live cattle imports in 2023

07/09/2022

Projections from the US Department of Agriculture suggest Turkey is likely to increase imports of live cattle next year. Agriculture officials connected to the US embassy in Ankara have said Turkey will import around 280,000 head of live cattle in 2023, an increase of more than 80%.

This expectation of an increase is based on recent announcement that the authorities in Turkey will allow imports of higher numbers of feeder cattle to address a shortage of beef supplies and high prices.

Turkish producers will receive a guaranteed minimum price for the cattle when they are sent to slaughter. The objective is to relieve upward pressure on beef prices in the country, calm price volatility, and ensure a stable supply for consumers.