HIBAPRESS – Abdel Latif Baraka
Morocco is betting on expanding the sources of supply for the national market with red meat, by authorizing the import of live buffalo from Brazil intended for slaughter, in a move aimed at strengthening supply and easing the pressure on prices that continue to burden Moroccan families, despite ongoing imports from abroad.
This approach comes at a time when cattle imports have not significantly reflected on red meat prices, which have remained high in various markets. This has led to questions about the extent to which imports alone can achieve the desired balance, especially since final prices are not determined solely by the volume of supply, but are also affected by the costs of transportation, slaughter, distribution, and intermediaries' margins, making the consumer the party still awaiting tangible results regarding their purchasing power.
Although the introduction of Brazilian buffalo may contribute to strengthening supply, the real bet remains linked to the recovery of the national herd, which has been damaged by successive years of drought, rising fodder prices, and breeding costs. This requires adopting a new policy based on supporting fodder, assisting breeders in maintaining female stock and developing breeding operations, and encouraging investment in livestock farming, which would allow for the rebuilding of national animal wealth and reduce dependence on foreign markets.
Between short-term import solutions and rebuilding the national herd in the medium and long term, the main challenge remains ensuring that any improvement in supply translates into consumer sale prices.
Moroccans are not waiting for diversification of import sources as much as they are looking forward to an actual decrease in red meat prices, as part of an integrated policy that ensures market stability, protects purchasing power, and supports local production.
