Morocco’s cattle importers prepare major shipment ahead of expected tariff exemption

Moroccan cattle importers are coordinating early with suppliers in Brazil and Spain to prepare a major shipment of slaughter cattle as the government is expected to reintroduce a tariff exemption on imports, sources told Hespress.

Despite a temporary halt in imports over recent weeks, industry insiders say there is no threat to national meat supplies or price stability. Current stocks of red meat remain sufficient to meet local demand, they said.

“There’s no risk to the market,” a source familiar with the matter said. “The quantities available are enough to guarantee both supply and price stability.”

Hicham El Jawabri, regional secretary of the red meat traders’ union in Casablanca, told Hespress AR that previously imported cattle will cover national demand until the government reopens import procedures.

“All Moroccan importers have already purchased significant numbers of heads and are now arranging to bring in between 30,000 and 40,000 head of cattle this coming September,” El Jawabri said. “Most of these calves will come from Brazil, followed by Spain.”

He emphasized that domestic meat stocks are currently sufficient to maintain price balance. “The pause in imports is temporary and will not impact market prices,” he said.

Morocco had set a limit of 150,000 imported heads of cattle for slaughter in response to recent shortages. That quota, initially set at 120,000, was later raised following rising demand. Importers have since met the full quota, and a new government decision is expected to allow an extension of the suspension of customs duties on live cattle.

A senior government source told Hespress the exemption decree will be reviewed after the summer recess during a scheduled cabinet meeting.

The measure is part of the government’s broader effort to stabilize meat prices, which have soared to record highs, especially during national holidays and festive occasions when red meat is in high demand among Moroccan households.

Morocco began easing cattle import rules to address shortfalls in meat supply and curb inflationary pressures on this essential food commodity.