Morocco struggles with a declining livestock population, increasing meat Imports
MOROCCO – Morocco’s livestock population has significantly declined, with the national herd shrinking by 38% since 2016, Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari announced during a press briefing.
This sharp reduction has had a direct impact on the country’s meat supply.
The number of cattle slaughtered annually has dropped from 230,000 to 150,000, leading to a tightening market.
To address the issue, the government has removed taxes on imported beef, sheep, goats, camels, and red meat.
This move is aimed at increasing supply and stabilizing prices.
Since the beginning of 2025, Morocco has imported 21,800 cattle, 124,000 sheep, and 704 tons of red meat, reflecting a push to fill the supply gap.
Bouari also outlined government plans to support farmers by distributing up to 1.8 million tons of fodder and improving veterinary services.
Meat Imports from Australia and Paraguay
As part of efforts to meet demand for Eid Al-Adha, Morocco has started importing sheep from Australia.
A delegation of Moroccan officials, importers, and veterinarians recently visited Western Australia to finalize import agreements following a trade deal signed in January.
Mark Harvey-Sutton, head of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council, confirmed that all necessary paperwork has been completed and the first shipments are ready for dispatch.
Meanwhile, Paraguay is working to expand its beef exports to Morocco.
According to a report by Mecro Press, Paraguayan meat exporters recently held discussions with Moroccan buyers to increase shipments to the North African market.
Currently, Paraguay supplies around 4,500 tons of beef to Morocco annually and aims to double that figure over the next year.
Morocco has turned to multiple international markets for meat imports as the country continues to experience prolonged drought conditions, which have disrupted agricultural production for six consecutive years.
A few years ago, in 2023, Morocco’s meat exports were valued at approximately US$1.91 million.
The majority of exports consisted of poultry meat, primarily to destinations like Oman, Benin, Liberia, Ghana, and Guinea; the main exported meat type being poultry, with a value of US$5.73 million in 2022.
Morocco also exported around $1.91 million worth of meat and edible meat offal in 2023.
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