Morocco to seek poultry supply from the USA, United Kingdom
MOROCCO – The National Association of Poultry Meat Producers (APV) in Morocco is seeking to expand its list of international poultry suppliers to include the United States and the United Kingdom.
This was revealed by APV president Mustapha Mountassir during an interview with the Moroccan daily Médias 24 on January 8.
The APV’s proposal to the government aims to reduce Morocco’s reliance on Spain and France for broiler breeding chickens, the country’s primary sources of imports.
The plan comes as Morocco faces surging poultry prices, driven by rising costs of production inputs and unfavorable weather conditions that have increased chick mortality rates.
Mountassir highlighted the unprecedented spike in chick prices, which have risen from US$0.44 to US$1.30 each.
“This is unprecedented in Morocco. The price of chicks has never reached such levels,” he stated.
The sharp increase in poultry prices has further strained Moroccan households, where chicken meat remains a dietary staple.
A shift in consumer behavior, driven by the rising cost of red meat, has placed additional pressure on the poultry market.
According to the APV, this surge in demand has exacerbated the already tense supply situation.
Data from Trade Map indicates that Morocco’s poultry import bill reached approximately $24 million in 2023.
While the government’s strategy to increase purchases of breeding chickens aims to stabilize domestic supply, it could also lead to higher import costs.
The APV has also hinted at discussions with the U.S.-based company Aviagen, a specialist in poultry genetics.
The proposed collaboration seeks to enhance local production and reduce dependence on imports in the long term.
Meanwhile, the rising price of chicken—now exceeding US$7 per kilogram—has sparked widespread public dissatisfaction.
Consumer advocacy groups, including the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption, have criticized the government for failing to address the economic pressures on households.
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