Moroccan consumer advocates call for probe into soaring egg prices

Moroccan consumer rights groups are demanding a formal investigation into the recent surge in egg prices across the country, accusing major producers of market manipulation and urging the government to open the market to imports in a bid to boost competition.

In a statement, the Moroccan Consumer Rights Defense League called on authorities to hold accountable “those proven to be involved in monopolistic practices or production manipulation,” while urging the government to reduce or eliminate import duties and value-added tax (VAT) on eggs, measures similar to those taken in 2016.

The league also urged the Competition Council to play a more active role by releasing a detailed public report on the factors driving up prices, and questioned the effectiveness of government subsidies for large-scale producers, especially if these do not translate to lower prices for consumers.

To break what they describe as a near-monopoly by major producers, the organization recommended allowing all licensed traders to import eggs freely.

“In the absence of any official reports of disease outbreaks in poultry farms, widespread speculation suggests that some producers are intentionally destroying layer hens to reduce supply and artificially raise prices,” the statement read. “This must be thoroughly investigated by the relevant authorities.”

The group highlighted that global prices of corn and soybeans, the two key ingredients in animal feed, have dropped significantly in 2025 compared to 2024. Despite this, retail egg prices have remained high, raising “serious concerns about transparency in the production and pricing chains.”

According to the league, companies that import feed benefit from customs exemptions and tax breaks intended to lower production costs. Yet, consumers have not seen any corresponding drop in prices, which the group says points to possible collusion between suppliers and producers to maximize profits at the expense of Moroccan households.

“The large producers continue to dominate the market by controlling supply, stifling fair competition, and driving up costs for the end consumer,” the statement added.

Consumer advocates say that Morocco successfully curbed egg prices in 2016 by cutting import tariffs, creating healthy competition in the domestic market. They argue that reviving such a policy now would make eggs more affordable and compel local producers to lower their prices to compete with foreign imports.

Ali Chtour, president of the Moroccan Association for Consumer Protection, echoed these concerns, stating that “an investigation into the current rise in egg prices is urgent.”

Chtour said his organization believes the sale of laying hens by some producers is behind the current price hikes, which coincide with peak demand during wedding season and increased hotel bookings.

He urged the government to adopt a proactive and strategic approach to prevent future price surges, warning that the current lack of anticipation and effective measures is leaving Moroccan consumers vulnerable.