Morocco has authorised the importation of live buffalo from Brazil for slaughter, opening another channel for livestock trade between the two countries as prolonged drought, shrinking cattle numbers and rising feed costs continue to put pressure on the North African country's domestic red meat supply.
Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the approval in a joint statement published on October 23, 2026. The authorisation specifically covers live buffalo, known scientifically as Bubalus bubalis, intended for slaughter in Morocco.
The decision expands Brazil's access to Morocco's livestock market at a time when the country is increasingly relying on imported animals to supplement domestic production. However, neither government has disclosed the expected number of buffalo to be shipped, the value of potential contracts or when the first consignments could arrive.
The development comes shortly after Morocco exhausted its 2026 duty-free import quota of 300,000 cattle intended for slaughter. The country's Ministry of Agriculture confirmed on October 23 that the allocation had been reached, counting animals already imported alongside those covered by valid customs exemptions still being processed.
Brazil has become the dominant supplier under the arrangement. According to figures released by Morocco's agriculture ministry, Brazilian cattle accounted for more than 90 per cent of the animals imported under the 2026 operation, with 37 importing companies participating. Monthly imports averaged approximately 24,000 head, exceeding 44,000 in June and July before falling to around 17,000 in August and September.
The growing dependence on imported livestock reflects mounting difficulties within Morocco's domestic cattle industry. The country's 2025 livestock census indicated that its cattle herd had declined by approximately 30 per cent, with successive droughts and the rising cost and scarcity of animal feed contributing to the contraction.
The pressure has affected the ability of farmers to maintain breeding herds. Morocco's agriculture ministry said some livestock producers had resorted to slaughtering female cattle, further reducing the number of animals available for future production. The combination of lower livestock numbers and expensive feed has contributed to rising red meat prices and prompted the government to introduce measures aimed at increasing market supply.
These measures extend beyond live cattle imports. In July 2026, Morocco suspended import duties on live domestic sheep and on beef, sheep, goat and camel meat until December 31. The suspension applies to imports originating from all countries and is intended to increase domestic availability of red meat.
Brazil's livestock relationship with Morocco has also grown significantly in value. Data published by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture show that Brazilian exports of live cattle to Morocco reached $213.5 million in 2025, compared with $41 million in 2024. Morocco was also the second largest destination for Brazilian live cattle exports during the first four months of 2026.
The buffalo authorisation therefore adds another category to an already expanding trade relationship. It also gives Moroccan importers an additional animal source as they seek to maintain meat supplies amid pressure on domestic production.
NBF Insight
Morocco's decision highlights how climate pressures are reshaping livestock trade and food supply strategies. When prolonged drought reduces grazing resources, raises feed costs and weakens breeding herds, countries may turn to international markets to fill domestic supply gaps.
For Brazil, the approval creates another potential export opportunity in a market where its cattle already hold a dominant position. For Morocco, however, importing buffalo is a supply-side measure rather than a solution to the underlying weakness of its livestock industry.
The longer-term challenge will be rebuilding domestic herds, improving feed availability and strengthening the resilience of livestock production to recurring drought. Imports can help maintain market supply, but sustained food security will depend on whether Morocco can restore the productive capacity of its own livestock sector.
