Rabat – Paraguay is preparing to ship cattle to Morocco for the first time, focusing mainly on livestock for breeding and dairy production. Paraguayan agricultural industry experts are now working out the logistics.
Following interest from Morocco, Turkiye, and countries in East Africa, Paraguay is preparing to introduce its livestock to the Moroccan market, according to the country’s newspaper Economy.
This new cattle shipment from Paraguay comes to mitigate challenges Morocco is facing in its beef supply. The country has been experiencing a big drop in livestock, due to ongoing drought and lack of resources. Minister of Agriculture Ahmed Bouari said in February that the national herd has shrunk by 38% since 2016.
According to the Paraguayan Association of Meat Producers and Exporters (Appec), as reported by local media, an initial shipment of 2,500 head of cattle is being planned.
The Spanish-language newspaper Economy reports these will be males weighing between 200 and 300 kilograms.
Appec President Ramiro Maluff pointed out Paraguay had previous experience in exporting cattle when it traded livestock with neighboring countries like Brazil and Argentina, but this marks their first venture into a market outside the Americas. In an interview with local ABC Color newspaper, Maluff mentioned that “the journey to Morocco is much longer.”
“We have asked Paraguay’s Official Veterinary Service to consult with their counterparts in Argentina and Uruguay.”
However, shipping to this part of the world is not completely uncharted territory. A recent report indicated that Paraguay already exports approximately 4,500 tons of beef to the North African country.
Paraguayan exports reached $1.777 billion in 2024, representing a 17.9% increase from 2023 ($1.506 billion) and a 3.2% rise compared to 2022, according to official data from the National Animal Quality and Health Service (Senacsa).
Paraguay favors extensive livestock farming, a method recognized for animal welfare and environmental protection.
This type of farming features low animal density per hectare, thanks to vast spaces and abundant natural resources in water and pastures. The country has developed strong, recognized expertise in livestock breeding.
Paraguayan cattle breeding is particularly diverse, with breeds such as Charolais, Braford, and Angus — whose meat is considered a premium product. Paraguayan cattle adapt well to the local climate and are known for being robust, resistant, fertile, and low-maintenance.
