Casablanca– In an effort to tackle the rising prices of red meat in the country, the Moroccan government has approved a new measure aimed at ensuring a stable supply of beef and lamb in local markets. The government council, meeting on Thursday, greenlit a draft decree suspending the import duties on domestic cattle and sheep, a decision that is expected to help alleviate pressure on meat prices.

The draft decree, presented by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, on behalf of Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance Fawzi Lekjaa, focuses on suspending both the customs duties and VAT on cattle and sheep imported into Morocco. This move builds on similar actions taken by the government last year, which already aimed to reduce the financial burden on local consumers by eliminating tariffs on livestock imports.

The government’s primary goal is to ensure a continuous and sufficient supply of red meat to the domestic market, especially during periods of high demand. According to the statement, the measure will not only help stabilize prices but also ensure that meat remains accessible to consumers.

In addition, the government highlighted that, while certain quotas for livestock imports had previously been established, these were no longer enough to meet the growing demand. As a result, the government aims to increase these quotas, further enhancing the availability of beef and lamb in the national markets.

This latest decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting local consumers amidst ongoing economic challenges, with rising meat prices being a significant concern for Moroccan households. By suspending import duties and expanding import quotas, Morocco hopes to mitigate the impact of high prices and stabilize the red meat market for the foreseeable future.