Rabat – Morocco’s bill of cattle import ballooned by the end of November after the country allowed breeders to import sheep and cows to tackle the market shortage of red meat.
The import bill now stands at MAD 4.8 billion (480 million), an 83 percent increase from the MAD 2.6 billion ($260 million) paid during the same period last year, according to a report by the Exchange Office.
By the end of November 2024, Morocco’s livestock imports grew to 110,000 tonnes without the value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties, compared to 60,000 in 2023. During the last Eid al-Adha, Morocco shipped in around 600,000 sheep destined for sacrifice from Spain and Romania.
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The President of the Federation of Livestock explained to SNRTnews, a state-owned Moroccan news outlet, that the country struck import deals with nations known for raising quality cows and sheep such as Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, France, Romania, and Portugal.
He added that these measures aim to ensure the market is abundantly supplied to bring down red meat prices.
Market prices of red meat in slaughterhouses range from MAD 85 to 89 ($8-9) per kilogram, while imported meat from Brazil is priced between MAD 70 to 75 ($7-7.5). At the same time, retail prices vary between MAD 85 to 140 ($8.5-140).
The National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) gave the green light to businesses to import fresh, frozen, or chilled red meat from various countries that meet health standards and are certified Halal to align with local dietary requirements.
