In Tajikistan, the import of meat from Belarus and Kazakhstan has increased amid the rising cost of locally produced meat. In Dushanbe, the price of imported meat is 75 somonis per kilogram, while local beef with bones costs 90 somonis, and the tenderloin cuts are priced at 145 somonis.
Today, Tajik markets offer not only local meat but also imported products from Belarus and Kazakhstan. As prices rise, imported meat has become a more affordable alternative for consumers.
Tajikistan traditionally imports meat products from several countries, including Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, Brazil, and others. In 2024, meat imports increased by 6,000 tons, totaling 15,700 tons, primarily due to the rise in local meat prices.
Belarusian meat gaining popularity
In the wake of rising prices in Kazakhstan, Tajik buyers have turned to Belarus. As of February 5, 2025, Belarusian beef was being sold in Tajikistan for 70-80 somonis per kilogram.
Tajik authorities assure that the imported meat undergoes all necessary checks and meets quality standards. Moreover, Belarus is considering expanding its export of breeding livestock and Halal-certified products.
Kazakhstan: price increase and its impact on Tajikistan
At the beginning of 2025, meat prices in Kazakhstan rose by an average of 36%. This was driven by increased purchases from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, which led to higher livestock prices.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture reported that the mass export of livestock increased the price of live cattle from 1,100-1,300 tenge to 1,500 tenge per kilogram. As a result, retail prices for beef reached 3,300-3,500 tenge per kilogram (about US$7.00). However, by February, prices started to decrease, fluctuating between 2,700 and 3,500 tenge per kilogram.
Despite this, Tajikistan continues to purchase meat from Kazakhstan. In September 2024, KAIYP ATA LLP exported 16 tons of beef to Tajikistan under a contract for 110 tons. In January 2025, Kazakh suppliers proposed to increase export volumes.
Kazakhstan's government has stated that the rise in exports to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan has led to higher domestic meat prices. This could lead to stricter export policies, potentially causing further price increases in Tajikistan.
Meat price increases in Tajikistan
Over the past year, meat prices in Tajikistan have risen significantly. According to the Statistics Agency, beef has increased by 28.5%, and lamb by 19.9%. The main causes are high demand, increased costs for livestock maintenance, and rising feed prices.
In February 2025, meat prices in Dushanbe are as follows: beef with bones – 90 somonis per kilogram; lamb – 88 somonis; beef fillet – 139.50 somonis; tenderloin – 145.90 somonis; rib-eye steak – 155.90 somonis; the most expensive option – bone-in fillet – 184.90 somonis
The most affordable meat options include soup set (44.50 somonis), liver and heart (64.90 somonis), and beef leg (39.90 somonis).
The factors contributing to the price increase include high demand, especially from neighboring countries, the rising cost of grain and feed, the growth of the restaurant industry, seasonal fluctuations in livestock maintenance costs, and the impact of the currency exchange rate on the price of imported goods.
Imported or local: what do consumers prefer?
Imported meat is in high demand in public catering. In Tajik cities, many people eat at cafeterias, where meat is a key part of the diet. As a result, catering establishments are increasingly sourcing their meat from local suppliers.
Some data shows that the share of local products in restaurant purchases has increased from 5% to 15-20%. Authorities believe this is due to the development of farmers' markets and support for local businesses.
However, for home consumption, the population prefers local products: over 92% of cattle and 82% of sheep and goats are kept in private households.
Importing calves: impact on the meat and dairy market in Tajikistan
In recent months, Tajik entrepreneurs have actively been importing calves from Kazakhstan. These are sold on local markets for 55-60 somonis per kilogram of live weight. For example, a 300 kg calf costs about 18,000 somonis. Buyers fatten them and resell them at a higher price in two to three months.
Experts note that expanding the import of meat breeds of cattle can play an important role in developing the meat production sector, providing the population with higher quality products.
In 2024, Tajikistan set a record for cattle imports, purchasing breeding and dairy cows worth US$14.1 million. This figure is nearly double the amount in 2023, when the import volume totaled $7.2 million.
Despite increased production and imports, the meat market in Tajikistan remains unstable. With rising prices, authorities are expanding imports to compensate for shortages and control the cost of products. However, price increases on foreign markets, especially in Kazakhstan, could lead to further price hikes in Tajikistan.
The main factors influencing the market include demand, seasonal changes, and feed costs. The situation may change in the coming months depending on new shipments and potential tightening of export policies in supplier countries.
