TRNC Meat Prices Rise Sharply as Local Consumption Falls to Record Lows

Meat prices in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have risen to levels described as “unacceptable” by trade bodies, prompting renewed calls for urgent support for local producers and consumers.

In a joint statement, the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Craftsmen and the Butchers’ Trade and Crafts Chamber warned that meat has become unaffordable for much of the population, with serious consequences for domestic consumption and food security.

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Meat Prices in TRNC Double Global Averages

According to the statement, the average global price of minced meat is around 500 TL per kilogram, while in Northern Cyprus prices have climbed to as much as 1,000 TL per kilogram.

Trade representatives said the disparity leaves little room for justification, stating bluntly that “there is nothing left to say but enough.”

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Annual Meat Production Figures in Northern Cyprus

Data shared by the organisations shows that each year approximately:

·         18,000 head of cattle, and

·         137,000 lambs

are slaughtered in TRNC facilities, producing an estimated 8,500–9,000 tonnes of meat annually.

However, despite this production capacity, domestic consumption has fallen dramatically.

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Per Capita Meat Consumption Continues to Decline

Based on population estimates:

·         With 500,000 residents, annual meat consumption averages around 16 kg per person

·         With 700,000 residents, consumption drops to below 12 kg per person

When hotel demand and tourist consumption are included, the organisations claim that local household meat consumption has almost stopped altogether.

For comparison, in 2010, meat consumption in Northern Cyprus stood at 46 kg per person per year — nearly three times today’s levels.

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Residents Turning to Southern Cyprus for Meat

The statement also highlights a growing trend of residents purchasing meat in Southern Cyprus, citing affordability concerns. According to the chambers:

·         The volume of meat imported from the south,

·         Including illegal cross-border channels,

now exceeds domestic meat sales within Northern Cyprus.

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Survival

Representatives stressed that protecting the right of the Turkish Cypriot community to local meat production is no longer just an economic issue, but a matter of survival.

They pledged to continue pressing for stronger support measures for local farmers, butchers, and producers, warning that without intervention, domestic production and food independence are at serious risk.