Bolivian poultry sector faces price shifts and demand drops

Poultry producers in Santa Cruz have set a fixed price of Bs 15 per kilogram for live chicken, effective September 19. This decision follows warnings that the removal of diesel subsidies will increase production and transportation costs. Iver Gutiérrez, a representative for Santa Cruz poultry farmers, stated that the impact of losing the subsidy is “high and extremely strong,” noting that while the live chicken price is set at Bs 15, the final market price could reach Bs 22 due to cumulative costs throughout the supply chain.

In contrast, the market in La Paz is experiencing different pressures. Wholesale prices for chicken have dropped to between Bs 13 and Bs 13.80, with retail prices around Bs 15. Miguel Rivero, president of the La Paz Chicken Marketers Association, reported a significant 70% decline in demand. This drop in sales is impacting vendor incomes, which are further strained by fixed costs like rent and fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate.