In an unprecedented step, the Moroccan government has launched a process of importing red meat, moving beyond the traditional import of live cattle to importing fresh and frozen meat, with the aim of addressing price increases and protecting citizens’ purchasing power.
Field investigations revealed a clear disparity in red meat prices, with differences ranging from 5 to 20 dirhams per kilogram. In the Bab Marrakech market in the old Casablanca, variations of 10-15 dirhams were found between neighboring sellers.
A study conducted by the Moroccan Federation for Consumer Rights revealed that the proposed import volume will only cover 11% of Moroccans’ red meat needs. The Federation’s president, Bouazza Kharrati, states that “the impact on price reduction will be weak and almost imperceptible”.
Economic experts, such as economist Badr Zaher Al Azrak, believe that the primary goal will be price stabilization rather than radical reduction. Kharrati calls for doubling import quantities to reach 70-75% to achieve a tangible effect.
It was observed that some consumers have significantly reduced their consumption due to high prices that have not yet decreased to previous levels (around 70 dirhams per kilogram).
Some stores and butchers attribute price reductions to different strategies, such as direct partnerships with farms and overseeing various production stages, which allows for cost savings.
Questions remain: Will this initiative succeed in reducing prices and protecting citizens’ purchasing power without compromising Moroccan food sovereignty?