Paraguay is seeking to double its beef exports to Morocco, currently at 4,500 tons, due to Morocco’s livestock shortages resulting from a prolonged drought. The drop in livestock numbers has led Morocco to import meat from various countries, including recent imports from Spain and Romania. By the end of November 2023, Morocco’s livestock imports increased significantly, highlighting the urgent need for external meat sources.
Paraguay is intensifying its efforts to enhance beef exports to Morocco as part of its strategic market expansion. Representatives from Paraguay’s meat export sector have engaged with local Moroccan buyers to finalize agreements aimed at increasing the volume of beef shipped to this North African nation. Currently, Paraguay exports approximately 4,500 tons of beef to Morocco, with ambitious plans to double this amount within the next year.
The need for increased beef imports in Morocco arises from ongoing agricultural challenges, specifically a drought that has adversely affected the country’s livestock production for the past six years. Minister of Agriculture Ahmed Bouari has reported a significant decline in the national livestock population, indicating a 38% reduction since 2016, which has resulted in a drop in cattle slaughter from 230,000 to 150,000.
In response to this situation, Morocco has turned to international markets for meat and cattle imports, sourcing from countries such as Romania and Argentina. Furthermore, there are indications that Morocco may soon begin importing sheep from Australia in preparation for the forthcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations. This pivot to increased imports aligns with Morocco’s heightened import bill, which has reached MAD 4.8 billion, reflecting an 83% rise from previous figures.
By the close of November last year, Morocco’s livestock imports had surged to 110,000 tons, excluding VAT and customs duties, compared to 60,000 tons in 2023. For the last Eid al-Adha, the nation imported approximately 600,000 sheep from Spain and Romania, underlining the urgent demand for livestock amid local shortages.
In summation, Paraguay aims to significantly boost its beef exports to Morocco in light of ongoing livestock shortages caused by extended drought conditions in the region. With Morocco’s livestock numbers dwindling, the country is increasingly turning to international suppliers, including Paraguay, to meet its food requirements. As Morocco explores various sources for meat imports, the collaboration with Paraguay represents a strategic move to secure necessary supplies for the local market.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
