The agreement was reached at a tripartite meeting attended by Supply Minister Sherif Farouk, Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk, and Bahaa El-Ghannam, head of the Future of Egypt Authority for Sustainable Development.
The move comes as demand for poultry typically surges ahead of Ramadan, placing pressure on prices and supply. Officials said the imports are intended to increase availability in the domestic market and reduce volatility during the peak consumption period.
Under the plan, Egypt will import significant volumes of frozen whole poultry and poultry cuts, including legs and breasts, from multiple countries to diversify sources and ensure a steady supply.
Initial shipments are expected to arrive before the start of Ramadan and will be sold at reduced prices through state-run outlets operated by the three entities. These include fixed and mobile sales points nationwide, as well as “Ahlan Ramadan” fairs, the ministry said.
The ministry added that the imports form part of broader efforts to reinforce strategic food reserves and stabilize prices of key staples during Ramadan.
The three entities stated that they would continue coordinating in the coming weeks to accelerate the release of agreed quantities and assess the need for additional measures to further increase supply.
Poultry prices have risen in recent days amid a seasonal increase in demand ahead of Ramadan, traders and industry officials said, alongside ongoing supply-side pressures.
Demand for white meat typically climbs sharply in the weeks leading up to the fasting month, as households increase purchases and retailers stock up.
Producers have also faced higher production costs, including feed and logistics expenses, which continue to affect output despite relative stability in foreign exchange markets.
Smaller poultry producers have struggled to maintain production levels, tightening supply in some governorates, while uneven distribution and speculative practices have contributed to sharp price swings at both wholesale and retail levels.
The volatility has prompted repeated government interventions in recent months, including expanded state-backed sales outlets and periodic injections of poultry and frozen meat to limit price spikes.
Officials say importing frozen poultry ahead of Ramadan is aimed at easing pressure on domestic producers, increasing available supply, and stabilizing prices during a period of heightened food sensitivity.
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