Morocco plans to import red meat from Spain in a bid to reduce domestic prices, with expectations that consumers will soon pay between 75 and 80 dirhams ($7-$8) per kilogram, according to a senior trade official.
Souhail Cheqchaq, Vice President of the General Federation of Businesses and Trades, announced the agreement with five Spanish companies, noting the imported meat will meet halal certification and hygiene standards.
Speaking to Hespress, Cheqchaq said the initiative follows a recent visit to Spain, where Moroccan importers assessed conditions for ensuring high-quality meat imports. The efforts were conducted under the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services for the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region.
However, he acknowledged that transportation costs—estimated at 3.6 dirhams ($0.36) per kilogram—are contributing to higher overall prices. Morocco’s lack of specialized vehicles for transporting red meat has further inflated costs.
Meat prices vary based on breed, with Holstein being the most affordable and Limousin—the most popular among Moroccan consumers—being the priciest due to its size, with calves weighing up to 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds).
Importers from major cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Fez will handle shipments aimed at addressing market shortages. Cheqchaq estimated that importers will earn a profit of around 4 dirhams ($0.40) per kilogram, setting wholesale prices for high-quality meat at no more than 80 dirhams ($8). He expects this figure to decline as supply improves.
Cheqchaq also called for investments in specialized meat transportation to reduce costs further and noted that discussions are underway to encourage Moroccan investors to enter this market.
The post Importers demand red meat prices be set below MAD 80 per kilogram appeared first on HESPRESS English – Morocco News.
No products in the cart.