Morocco to import 100,000 sheep from Australia to meet domestic meat demand

MOROCCO – Morocco is set to receive 100,000 sheep from Australia as part of an agreement between the two countries, the government announced on February 20. 

Officials say the move aims to increase the supply of red meat in the local market, which has been struggling due to declining livestock numbers.

With an annual per capita consumption of 17 kilograms, Morocco has one of the highest red meat consumption rates in Africa. 

However, local production has been severely affected by prolonged drought, forcing authorities to seek alternative supply sources.

Declining Livestock Numbers

Over the past six years, Morocco’s livestock sector has faced serious setbacks. 

Persistent drought has dried up pastures, raising the cost of animal feed and causing a sharp drop in livestock numbers.

According to official data, the national cattle and sheep population has declined by 38% since 2016. 

As a result, meat production has dropped significantly, tightening supply and driving up prices.

In response, the government has introduced various measures to boost supply, including tax exemptions and incentives for meat imports.

In 2023, authorities removed import duties and value-added tax (VAT) on sheep shipments from Europe. 

Additionally, a subsidy of US$50 per imported sheep was introduced to encourage imports.

Expanding Import Markets

Morocco has been diversifying its meat supply sources, bringing in livestock from multiple countries.

In February 2023, the country imported 30,000 cattle from Brazil and Uruguay. 

Later that year, the National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) authorized the purchase of sheep and goat meat from Argentina.

Since the beginning of 2025, Morocco has imported 124,000 sheep, 21,800 cattle, and 704 tons of red meat. 

Australia and Paraguay Step In

To prepare for Eid Al-Adha, Moroccan officials and importers recently visited Western Australia to finalize livestock import agreements.

Mark Harvey-Sutton, head of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council, confirmed that all paperwork has been completed and the first shipments are ready for transport.

Meanwhile, Paraguay is looking to increase its beef exports to Morocco. 

The South American country currently supplies around 4,500 tons of beef annually and aims to double that figure in the coming year.

Paraguayan meat exporters have held discussions with Moroccan buyers to expand shipments, according to a report by Mecro Press.

Morocco’s reliance on meat imports comes amid ongoing drought conditions that have disrupted agriculture for six consecutive years.

In 2023, Morocco’s total meat exports were valued at approximately US$1.91 million, with poultry being the main export. 

The country shipped poultry products worth US$5.73 million to destinations such as Oman, Benin, Liberia, Ghana, and Guinea.

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