📈 Maize Import Curbs Threaten Sri Lanka’s Poultry Sector

Sri Lanka’s poultry industry faces severe policy friction as maize import restrictions and tax hikes drive up feed costs, risking export ambitions and domestic margins despite rising production. • Overall Feed & Supply Gap • Annual feed demand: ~700,000 MT vs. 2024 local maize production of 223,497 MT (covers < 1/3 of feed needs). • 2024 feed maize imports: 221,935 MT (DAPH data). • Farm-gate maize prices jumped from ~Rs. 130/kg (Jan 2024) to Rs. 191/kg (Nov 2024). • Special Commodity Levy doubled from Rs. 25 to Rs. 50/kg in May 2026 (+Rs. 25,000/MT). • Sector Performance & Output • Poultry meat output grew 9.5% YoY to 258,540 MT in 2024 (from 236,110 MT in 2023). • Egg production expanded 44.5% YoY to 2,953.06 million units in 2024 (from 2,043.50 million in 2023). • High feed costs threaten profit margins, particularly for vulnerable small-scale farmers. • Export Outlook • Poultry exports rose 65.6% YoY to ~2,610 MT in 2025 (from 1,576 MT in 2024), earning ~Rs. 1.06 Bn. • Target markets: Maldives, Middle East, and Asia. • Sustained export growth remains constrained by unpredictable feed pricing, import quota shifts, and stringent international compliance requirements.