Sheep prices are still ambiguous despite support for the import quota and customs exemptions

Bethlehem - Ofoq News - Ayham Abu Ghosh, a journalist specializing in economic affairs, said that the reality of meat imports has witnessed changes during the last decade, pointing out the existence of what is known as the “quota” system, which gives the Palestinian Authority a specific quota for importing meat exempt from customs.

This came during his hosting of the “Tala Sabah” program, which is broadcast on the Ofoq News satellite channel, the Ofoq News radio network, and Radio 4, and is presented by journalist Adel Aghraib.

Abu Ghosh explained that the size of the quota is about 50 thousand heads, while the Palestinian market’s need is about 500 thousand heads, which raises questions about the import and distribution mechanisms, and the extent to which customs exemptions are reflected in the prices paid by citizens.

He added that the problem lies in the lack of a clear distinction between local and imported meat when sold in butcher shops, which makes it difficult for the consumer to know what type of meat he is buying, and raises questions about the extent to which citizens benefit from customs exemptions.

He pointed out that customs exemptions are supposed to contribute to lowering prices, but the importer may be the biggest beneficiary of them, rather than their impact being directly reflected on the Palestinian consumer.

Abu Ghosh stressed that issuing a statement from the government is not enough to answer all the questions raised, calling for a serious audit of this file, studying the mechanisms for distributing imported sheep, and verifying the extent to which the effect of customs exemptions reaches citizens.

He stressed the need to form a specialized committee to study the issue, and to benefit from the recommendations of experts to establish clear mechanisms that ensure the distinction between local and imported meat, and enhance transparency in sales and distribution processes.

Abu Ghosh concluded by emphasizing that the issue is not only related to duties and taxes after importation, but rather the main problem is the mechanism for distributing imported sheep, and the extent to which this process achieves the goal of reducing the economic burdens on citizens.