Saudi Arabia bans poultry, egg imports from India

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has completely banned the import of poultry products from 40 countries, including India. It has also imposed a partial ban on imports from 16 other countries. The action was taken by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority citing concerns over the risk of infectious diseases.

Officials have not specified how long the ban will remain in place. Reports say the decision will be reviewed once the disease threat is under control. Along with India, countries such as the United States, Afghanistan, Germany, Iran, Australia, and Italy are also included in the list of nations facing the ban. Saudi Arabia had already imposed restrictions on poultry imports from some countries as far back as 2004.

The ban is expected to be a major setback for the Indian poultry industry. Saudi Arabia is one of the key international markets for Indian poultry exports. According to industry body Poultry India, India exported poultry products worth 149 million dollars to Saudi Arabia in the first six months of the current financial year, compared to 71.6 million dollars during the same period last year.

Following the announcement of the ban, shares of companies in the sector also saw a decline. Venky’s fell by 0.5 percent, while HMA Agro and Ovobel Foods dropped by 1.5 percent each, and DSM Fresh declined by 0.85 percent.