Morocco: The Exempted Import Quota of 300,000 Cattle Reached for 2026
300,000 Head of Cattle for Slaughter Allocated Duty and VAT Exemptions Fully Reached
The quota of 300,000 cattle designated for slaughter, which benefits from exemptions on customs duties and import VAT for the year 2026, has been completely met, announced the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty on Friday.
According to the ministry, this ceiling accounts for cattle already imported as well as those covered by valid customs exemptions currently in process. Importers and professionals were notified of the exhaustion of the quota through a notice published on October 15, 2026.
The average monthly import rate stood at nearly 24,000 head, with peaks exceeding 44,000 cattle in June and July, compared to approximately 17,000 in August and September. A total of 37 companies participated in these operations, with more than 90% of the imported animals coming from Brazil.
The ministry also noted an increase in requests in October, following the reopening of imports from Portugal, largely due to its geographical proximity.
This measure aimed to enhance the supply of red meat in the national market and contribute to price stability amid challenges posed by drought, a decline in livestock numbers, and rising feed costs.
For the year 2026, the government suspended customs duties and VAT applicable to the import of 300,000 cattle, effective until December 31. Exemption requests were submitted through the PortNet platform and processed on a first-come, first-served basis, typically within 24 hours.
