Morocco's Government to Restore 2023 Sheep Import Subsidy Measure

Morocco's government is planning to bring back the 2023 program to subsidize the import of sheep, which was estimated at MAD 500 ($50) per head, but with additional restrictions, according to sources close to Hespress.

Rabat – Morocco’s government is planning to bring back the 2023 program to subsidize the import of sheep, which was estimated at MAD 500 ($50) per head, but with additional restrictions, according to sources close to Hespress.

Information from the relevant sources indicated that the sheep import subsidy was resumed two days ago by a joint resolution signed by the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests; and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The decision will only be in effect from March 15 to June 15 with the goal of importing 300,000 sheep to boost the domestic market.

Regarding the recently imposed requirements, the government ordered that importers “enter the number of sheep they wish to import in advance,” as these parties would have to “enter at least 1,000 heads.”

The same sources went on to say that each importer of sheep will need to deposit “MAD 5 ($0.5) for each head they intend to import,” emphasizing that they will not be refunded for the amount they provided and will not receive the subsidy for the number of head they entered if they do not commit to entering the number of sheep required.

Additionally, the government mandated that the weight of the sheep imported throughout the three months mentioned in the new decision must not be less than thirty kilograms. This condition was not met during the operations conducted last year.

Sources from the Ministry of Agriculture have indicated that the new measures, which imposed a 2.5% customs duty and a 20% value-added tax on importers during this period, will be determined by the status of the national flock.

This measure comes in light of the high prices of sheep meat in the national market, as well as the high prices of sheep, which pose a threat to skyrocketing prices for sacrificial animals on the upcoming Eid al-Adha. This action is intended to preserve stability and balance prices on the religious holiday, which Moroccan families are eager to observe.