The government has decided to drop the cattle import tax in order on a proposal by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, in order to guarantee price stability for red meat in Morocco after episodes of increased drought which has affected the price of livestock feed.
The announcement was made by government spokesman Mustapha Baitas, who revealed that the government has discussed the rise in meat prices extensively, with the aim of examining legal possibilities to ensure the supply of the national market with red meat.
Thus, the Government Council, chaired by Aziz Akhannouch, approved the draft decree n° 2.23.47 amending decree n° 2.22.818 published on 22 Rabi`al-Awwal 1444 (October 19, 2022) relating to the judgment collection of the import tax imposed on cows.
Baitas explained that this measure was taken to ensure a normal supply of beef in the local market, due to the drought experienced by the country which resulted in the rise in prices of livestock feed and the rise in prices on international markets.
Red meat production costs have also increased and prices for consumers have been impacted due to the reduced supply.
This new provision will make it possible to lift taxes for importers, and Mustapha Baitas underlines that the weight requirements for cattle (exceeding 550 kg) are no longer relevant given the difficulties for importers to find animals of this size elsewhere. than on the European market.
“The government will announce in the coming days (new measures) to encourage importers to meet the needs of the Moroccan red meat market and ensure price stability,” added the government spokesperson.