Calls to boycott meat spread across social media as prices surge

Calls for a consumer boycott of red meat are spreading across Moroccan social media as beef prices continue climbing, with campaigners urging households to stop buying meat in an effort to pressure the market into lowering prices.

Activists behind the campaign describe the move as a “peaceful” form of economic pressure aimed at countering what they call unjustified price increases, weak market oversight and suspected speculation.

The push comes as retail beef prices in some markets approach 150 dirhams per kilogram, intensifying pressure on household purchasing power.

The campaign echoes previous consumer boycotts in Morocco that targeted fuel, dairy and bottled water companies, though the current push faces a more structurally constrained market.

Supply shortages and imports keep pressure on prices

Industry professionals say prices are unlikely to fall in the short term because the current surge is being driven less by retailer behavior than by supply shortages and rising import costs.

Morocco’s cattle sector has been weakened by successive drought years, high feed costs and herd reductions, forcing the country to rely increasingly on imported beef. Brazil has become a central supplier as Morocco expanded imports and launched multiple tenders for frozen meat this year, including supplies destined for the armed forces.

The pressure has intensified following restrictions on European cattle imports linked to animal disease outbreaks, leaving Morocco and several regional markets competing for Brazilian supply.

Professional groups say higher freight costs and strong international demand are feeding directly into domestic prices. Brazilian beef exports hit record highs at the start of 2026, reflecting growing competition among importing countries.

Traders and consumer advocates split on boycott impact

Meat traders argue the boycott is unlikely to reverse prices because shortages remain severe and demand continues to outpace supply. They say reopening European imports and rebuilding domestic herds would have a greater effect than short-term consumer action.

Hassan Ait Ali, head of the Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection, said coordinated boycotts can pressure markets when participation is broad and sustained, though he acknowledged that import costs and supply constraints are real factors behind the increases.