MBABANE – Imagine a meat-less Christmas.
Consumers face a fragile festive season as braais could be limited due to the meat shortage imposed by the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has now been recorded in three regions.
The progression of FMD outbreaks in the country from earlier in May shows a worsening scenario, with the disease now confirmed across three regions (Lubombo, Manzini and Shiselweni).
Aside from cattle, pigs have also tested positive for FMD. This has strained the meat industry, which was already facing challenges with slaughtering due to quarantines in the three regions.
Following the FMD detection, the country’s vital beef exports immediately stopped as Eswatini lost its FMD-free status. This resulted in instant bans from key international markets like the European Union (EU), the UK, Taiwan, Norway, South Africa, Mozambique and Asia.
The authorisation to export fresh beef and game meat to the EU was suspended from June 14, 2025. The UK imposed similar restrictions. This has resulted in severe financial hardship for farmers and the national economy, which contributes over two per cent to Eswatini’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The limited supply has created a high demand for meat, causing prices to soar. The reduced number of animals available for slaughter, combined with high festive season demand, is expected to keep red meat prices steep for average consumers.
It is reported that meat inflation reached 6.6 per cent year-on-year in June, according to First National Bank (FNB) South Africa’s Agricultural Economist Paul Makube, who was quoted by Newcastillian News, a South African online publication. The economist projected that a modest braai could soon demand 20 per cent more expenditure, thereby compounding South Africa’s 3.4 per cent overall inflation surge driven by food costs.
The festive season is synonymous with many families and friends meeting over meat, meaning an increased demand for steak and other braai meat. This has the prospect of keeping stock levels under pressure, which translates to steak for Christmas braais being more expensive.
In addition to the economic ripple effects faced by the country and its neighbour, the Republic of South Africa, which had its first case reported in early March 2025, local consumers are set to feel the pinch as the scarcity of fresh meat has resulted in a dramatic price increase.
The anxiety among consumers intensified this week, following revelations that the disease has now spread to pigs, forcing a review of slaughter protocols.
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