Middle East faces animal feed shortages amid supply disruptions

Countries across the Middle East and the Persian Gulf are facing serious risks of animal feed shortages in 2026 due to ongoing military conflicts and disruptions to maritime logistics. Restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for imports of grains, oilseeds and feed ingredients, pose the greatest threat. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and other countries in the region remain particularly vulnerable, as their livestock industries depend heavily on imported feed materials.

The Middle East and Persian Gulf countries account for approximately 4–5% of global compound feed production, equivalent to around 63 mln tons annually, with an estimated value of $50 billion. According to S&P Global, approximately 52 mln tons of agricultural cargo were transported through Red Sea and Persian Gulf shipping routes in 2024, representing around 8% of global seaborne agricultural shipments. Major imported commodities include corn, wheat, barley and soybeans, with substantial volumes supplied by Brazil and Argentina.

The greatest risks to the feed industry are associated with disruptions to port operations and shipment delays. In particular, shipping restrictions are affecting the Jebel Ali and Khalifa logistics hubs in the UAE, which traditionally handle significant volumes of agricultural cargo. According to shipbroker SSY, Persian Gulf countries imported 38.6 mln tons of agricultural commodities by sea in 2025, including 15.2 mln tons by Iran, 7 mln tons by Saudi Arabia, 5.8 mln tons by Iraq and 4.8 mln tons by the UAE. Prolonged disruptions could reduce feed ingredient inventories and increase transportation costs.

Saudi Arabia’s poultry industry is particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions, as it relies almost entirely on imported corn, soybeans and feed additives. Raw material shortages could complicate major investment projects, including Balady Poultry’s $304 million expansion program aimed at increasing annual production by 200 million birds. In the UAE, the annual animal feed market was estimated at approximately 3 mln tons before the escalation of the conflict, with trade turnover exceeding $680 million. Feed supply problems also persist in Iran, where disruptions to imports of Brazilian corn and soybean meal are putting additional pressure on meat production and other livestock industries.

Further escalation around the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on shipping in the Red Sea could intensify shortages of feed ingredients across the region. The main risks include rising maritime freight costs, delays in raw material deliveries and the need to identify alternative logistics routes. If supply disruptions persist, compound feed manufacturers may be forced to reduce production, negatively affecting poultry farming, livestock production and food security across the Middle East.

Tags: Saudi Arabia, compound feed, war