Red Meat Prices in Tunisia Keep Rising – Up to 65 DT per Kilogram of Lamb and 47 DT for Beef
The surge in red‑meat prices is forcing many families—especially low‑income households—to cut back on consumption or even boycott meat altogether as purchasing power erodes.
Key Figures
| Product | Current Price (per kg) | % of Tunisian Minimum Wage (SMIG) |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb | 65 DT (potentially 70 DT) | ≈ 11 % |
| Beef | 47 DT | — |
- Since 2010, the price of lamb has multiplied by five (from 12.5 DT to 65 DT).
- Beef prices have more than tripled over the same period.
- Tunisia now ranks among the Arab countries where meat is the most expensive, sometimes even higher than European prices despite a lower average purchasing power.
Why Prices Are Soaring
The price hike is no longer driven solely by climate factors. Experts point to a combination of structural issues:
- Domestic production shortfall – local farms are unable to meet demand.
- Decline in livestock numbers – the national herd has been shrinking.
- Cross‑border cattle smuggling – animals are being trafficked to neighboring countries, tightening local supply.
“The price of a kilogram of lamb could reach 70 DT,” warns Ahmed Amiri, president of the Butchers’ Chamber (UTICA).
Market Intervention
The Société des Courses (Société Ellouhoum) announced a regulated sale price of 42.9 DT per kilogram for both lamb and beef. While this is lower than the market rate, it remains out of reach for many Tunisians, underscoring the urgent need for structural measures to support the meat and dairy sectors.
What Needs to Happen
- Long‑term investment in local livestock breeding and feed production.
- Policies to curb smuggling and protect domestic supply chains.
- Subsidies or price controls targeted at low‑income families to preserve nutrition security.
Further Reading
Red meats: Is the market manipulated?
Source: La Presse (17 Feb 2026)
