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Join on Telegram Doha – To diversify its meat supply chain, Morocco has approved imports of sheep and goat meat from Argentina, expanding beyond the existing beef trade between the two nations.
The agreement, announced yesterday, comes as Morocco implements broader measures to stabilize its domestic meat market amid ongoing supply challenges.
The new trade arrangement was made possible through collaborative efforts between Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and the National Service for Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA).
To comply with Moroccan import requirements, Argentine exporters must meet two key conditions established by Morocco’s National Food Safety Office (ONSSA): obtaining health certificates from relevant authorities in Argentina and securing Halal slaughter certification from nationally authorized Islamic organizations.
The expansion of trade relations comes at a crucial time for Morocco’s meat sector. Government spokesman Mustapha Baitas recently announced that Morocco aims to import up to 20,000 tons of red meat, both fresh and frozen, by the end of 2024. As of the latest report, approximately 10,000 tons have already been processed for import.
Argentina’s meat export capabilities make it a strategic partner for Morocco. In the first nine months of 2024, Argentina’s beef exports exceeded 699,900 tons, marking a 50-year high.
Specifically for sheep and goat meat, Argentina exported over 5,000 tons between January and November 2024, with major buyers including Brazil, Qatar, Spain, Israel, Tunisia, and the Netherlands.
Morocco’s decision to expand meat imports comes in response to domestic challenges. Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari attributed the current market pressures to declining national livestock numbers, caused by successive drought years and rising feed prices.
The government has implemented various measures to address these challenges, including suspending import duties and VAT on fresh and chilled meats.
To ensure quality control, ONSSA has implemented strict requirements for all imported meat products. These include mandatory health and Halal slaughter certificates from authorized authorities in origin countries, along with the use of ONSSA-approved storage facilities.
The new trade agreement with Argentina aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to secure its meat supply through international partnerships.
In November, the Government Council, led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, approved measures to expand import quotas and extend the suspension of import duties on domestic cattle and sheep.
This development represents part of Argentina’s growing presence in the international meat market. The South American nation has been strengthening its position through high sanitary standards, quality control measures, and specialized technology implementation, according to recent discussions between Argentine and Brazilian agricultural authorities.
Read also: Morocco and Spain Partner to Stabilize, Boost Red Meat Market
