Morocco has successfully reached its target of importing 300,000 cattle for slaughter by the year 2026, as confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests. This milestone includes cattle covered by valid customs exemptions that are currently in the import pipeline, showcasing the country's commitment to ensuring a stable supply of red meat for its population.
The importation process has seen an average influx of approximately 24,000 cattle per month, although these figures have varied significantly throughout the year. Notably, both June and July witnessed a surge in imports, exceeding 44,000 head each month, before the numbers dipped to around 17,000 in August and September. This fluctuation indicates the dynamic nature of the cattle market and the responsive measures taken by the government to adapt to changing conditions.
Participation in the import program has been robust, with 37 companies involved, predominantly sourcing over 90% of cattle from Brazil, where supply availability is more favorable compared to European markets. The opening of imports from Portugal in October further contributed to the increase in applications, as the geographical proximity of Portugal allows for logistical advantages that can enhance supply chains.
According to the Ministry, these additional supplies have played a crucial role in maintaining the availability of red meat and have contributed to stabilizing prices in domestic markets. However, the persistent challenges in Morocco's domestic livestock sector, exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions, continue to pose significant hurdles. These droughts have resulted in a decrease in livestock numbers, while rising costs for animal feed—both locally produced and imported—have strained the finances of farmers, leading to increased production costs.
In response to these challenges, the Moroccan government has taken proactive measures by suspending customs duties and value-added tax on the import of the 300,000 cattle designated for 2026. This decree remains valid until December 31, under Decree No. 2.25.720, issued on August 29, 2025, as well as Article 2 of the 2026 Finance Law. The import program, which opened on February 2, is accessible to all importers and industry professionals without the need for prior authorization, facilitating a more streamlined process for customs exemptions through the PORTNET platform, with applications processed typically within 24 hours.
Despite these import initiatives, Moroccan consumers continue to face elevated prices for red meat, a situation that has persisted due to several years of drought and diminishing local livestock populations. In 2025, King Mohammed VI urged Moroccans to refrain from the traditional Eid Al Adha sacrifice due to the strain on livestock resources and household budgets. Although the practice resumed in 2026, consumers are still confronted with high prices. For instance, in August, beef was priced between MAD 90 and MAD 120 per kilogram, while lamb prices ranged from MAD 140 to MAD 160.
The exhaustion of the import quota underscores the critical role that international livestock suppliers play in Morocco's meat industry. To reduce dependency on imports and enhance the resilience of the country's meat supply chain, it is essential to focus on improving domestic herd numbers, the availability of feed, and overall livestock productivity.
As reported by foodbusinessmea.com.
