Saudi Arabia will let individuals import livestock twice a year

Saudi Arabia’s new import-licensing rules will let individuals bring in livestock every six months, rather than once a year. Each person may import up to 100 sheep or goats, or 15 cattle or camels, widening the number of potential suppliers while keeping limits on personal imports. The change is meant to add animals to the domestic market and increase competition in red meat. But cheaper meat is not guaranteed: shipping costs, feed prices, and the capacity of ports and veterinary quarantine facilities to handle extra shipments will shape the effect on shoppers. The rules were published on October 2 and take effect after 30 days.