Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Despite the government’s decision to scrap Value Added Tax (VAT) on chicken meat, kapenta, and live animals, beef and pork prices remain excessively high, making them unaffordable for many consumers.
Industry players express concern over the significant decline in demand, resulting in substantial stockpiles of beef and pork. This has created a dilemma for livestock producers struggling to find buyers.
“The high prices of beef and pork are unsustainable,” says a leading industry player.
“Consumers can’t afford it. It’s a lose-lose situation.”
A livestock producer echoes this sentiment,
“I’ve never experienced such difficulty. My animals are unsold, and I can’t find buyers willing to pay a reasonable price. It’s stressful.”
The delay in implementing the promised VAT removal on meat products has hindered the industry. This policy uncertainty has fueled informal meat trading, bypassing formal abattoirs.
Consumers are opting for chicken as a more affordable alternative. Those interviewed by this publication reported that chicken is currently more affordable than beef and pork, leading many to opt for the former as their preferred meat choice.
“We are now opting for chicken, but as you know Zimbabwean businesses, this too will change as the price will skyrocket.” Said Baba Munyayi.
It is unfortunate that, consumers and ordinary citizens are feeling the squeeze all round. There is no reprieve for them.
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