The Moroccan government is preparing to once again exempt imported cattle from customs duties in an effort to stabilize meat supplies and curb soaring prices, according to a government source who spoke to Hespress AR on condition of anonymity.
The decision is expected to be approved during the first Cabinet meeting after ministers return from their summer break, scheduled for later this August. The exemption will apply to cattle imported specifically for slaughter. However, the government has not disclosed how many heads of cattle it plans to allow into the country under the new measure.
The move comes as Morocco continues to grapple with high red meat prices, despite earlier efforts to boost supply through imports. The source said the exemption aims to address ongoing shortages in the national market caused by years of adverse climate conditions that have damaged livestock production and depleted the country’s cattle herd.
Earlier this year, the government set a cap of 150,000 heads of cattle for import under the previous tariff exemption, an increase from the initial 120,000. However, industry insiders say that quota has now been met and that imports could soon grind to a halt unless new measures are introduced.
According to data published by Hespress on Wednesday, only about 6,000 heads remained to be imported as of last week. That number may have already been reached by the end of the week, sources said, effectively bringing the current phase of cattle imports to an end.
Professional associations warned that without a renewal of the exemption, importers may stop bringing in cattle, which would exacerbate the already tight supply of red meat. Prices have remained elevated in recent years due to persistent drought and climate-related disruptions affecting the region, with Morocco among the hardest hit.
Despite raising the import quota earlier this year, the government acknowledged that the revised figure was still not sufficient to meet national demand. Officials have said the import strategy is essential to ensure adequate supplies of red meat, a staple for Moroccan households, especially during holidays and celebrations.
The policy is part of broader efforts by the government to stabilize food prices, which have soared to record highs in recent months.
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