Nicaragua rejects reducing poultry prices

The poultry sector in Nicaragua has rejected the idea of reducing poultry prices through the elimination of import tariffs, an idea suggested by the US government in late April, the Nicaraguan Minister of Commerce Orlando Solórzano has announced.

“It is necessary to find a way to increase poultry in the international market without affecting Nicaraguan producers,” said Alfonso Valerio, president of the Association of Small and Medium Poultry Producers of Nicaragua.

Valerio has requested a negotiation between the government and the poultry industry leaders to find a way to avoid the importation of poultry products.

“The massive importation of chicken is not going to solve the problem, because production costs are increasing for the poultry industry,” said Valerio, referring to the rising international prices of raw materials for animal feed.

In Nicaragua the poultry industry contributes 3% to the country’s GDP.