Morocco is ramping up efforts to import Australian meat, with a delegation of 15 Moroccan officials and importers currently visiting Australia. Led by Tawfik Elachchabi, an official from Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, the delegation aims to assess facilities and prepare for the swift importation of sheep, cattle, and goats.
The visit includes meetings with Australian stakeholders to discuss logistical and sanitary arrangements, as well as tours of various agricultural and export facilities. These include a feedlot, a cattle farm, a sheep farm, and a specialized livestock export ship. The delegation will also receive detailed insights into Australia’s strict animal welfare standards and its commitment to quality across the supply chain.
Following imports from Spain, Brazil, and Romania, Morocco is now turning to Australia to replenish its livestock, severely depleted by drought. Tawfik Elachchabi confirmed that Morocco faces a critical livestock shortage due to drought and limited supplies from nearby markets. According to Sheep Central, Morocco could import up to 100,000 sheep annually, with potential for future increases. A sanitary protocol signed with the Australian Livestock Exporters Council ( facilitates this trade, covering not only sheep but also cattle and goats.
“The Australian market offers significant advantages in terms of livestock quality, sanitary conditions, animal welfare, and large-scale supply capacity, making it an ideal partner to bolster Morocco’s red meat stock,” Elachchabi explained. Mark Harvey-Sutton, CEO of ALEC, noted that Morocco’s interest highlights the ongoing global demand for Australian livestock, despite export restrictions on live sheep imposed by the Albanese government. “This is a key opportunity for Australian farmers, showing that thriving markets still need our livestock. Morocco requires support to rebuild its herd post-drought, and Australia’s high-quality standards position us to provide that assistance,” he added.
