Halal Industry

Reprieve for Somalia as Saudi Arabia lifts ban on livestock imports


Saudi Arabia has lifted its ban on livestock imports from Somalia. 

Saudi's Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) said on its website on Saturday (Apr 18) it projects at least 600,000 sheep and 100,000 camels will be delivered to the Kingdom within thirty days after completion of the mandatory 30-day quarantine period. 

All livestock headed to Saudi Arabia must carry a veterinary health certificate approved by the MEWA to prove that the animals are not affected by epidemic and infectious diseases. 

The lifting of the ban will come as a relief to Somalia as the sector contributes to around 40% of the country's GDP and sales of livestock and their products account for 80% of exports in normal years, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. 

Saudi authorities import livestock as part of efforts to ensure food security and maintain price stability. 

The Middle East's biggest economy bought $81.85 million worth of livestock from Somalia in 2019, up from $73.11 million in 2018, according to data from the U.N.'s ITC Trade Map. 

Overall, the Kingdom imported 233,567 tons of livestock in 2019 worth $731.82 million, 82.87% were live sheep and goats. 

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tags:

Livestock