Morocco cattle, sheep herds decline due to drought
The country plans to import sheep from Australia
21 February 2025
1 minute read
By: The Moroccan government said on Thursday it had signed a deal to import up to 100,000 of sheep from Australia to compensate for a drought-induced drop in its herd, reported Reuters.
Morocco's cattle and sheep herds have decreased by 38% compared with the last census nine years ago due to consecutive droughts, official data showed.
Lack of pasture and higher prices of animal feed led to a surge in red meat prices in the country, which looks to imports to meet domestic cattle, sheep and red meat needs.
The deal with Australian sheep exporters aims to diversify sources of supply for the domestic market, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas said.
In its 2025 budget, Morocco suspended import duty and value added tax on cattle, sheep and camels as well as red meat to keep prices stable in the domestic market.
Up to mid-February this year, Morocco has imported 124,000 sheep, 21,000 cattle and 704 tons of red meat, according to official figures.
