• Morocco, Poland sign MoU on animal health and sanitary cooperation
• Deal aims to support livestock trade amid Morocco’s herd decline
• Agreement could ease veterinary rules and diversify import sources

Morocco and Poland signed a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 16 to strengthen cooperation on animal health and the sanitary safety of animal products, local media reported.

The document was signed by Morocco’s agriculture minister, Ahmed El Bouari, and his Polish counterpart during the International Green Week in Berlin, held from Jan. 16 to 25.

The move signals both sides want to expand trade in livestock and animal products. “The partnership between Morocco and Poland is not limited to trade, but also includes technical cooperation, including training and research,” Polish Agriculture Minister Stefan Krajewski said, according to Maroc Hebdo.

Morocco steps up livestock imports

The agreement comes as Morocco’s livestock herd has shrunk sharply after several drought-hit seasons and rising feed costs. Agriculture ministry figures published in 2025 show the country has lost 38% of its cattle and sheep since 2016.

To ease pressure in the meat market and curb price increases, authorities have introduced measures to support imports of live animals and meat, including duty relief and regulatory adjustments.

Under the 2026 finance law, Morocco temporarily exempted imports of live bovine animals and camels from VAT from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026, capped at 300,000 cattle and 10,000 camels.

In that context, closer ties with Poland could help Morocco diversify its livestock suppliers, which currently include Spain and Brazil. Poland is a major global exporter of meat and edible offal, but plays a minor role in Morocco’s market. Trade Map data show Morocco imported nearly $47.4 million of meat and offal in 2024, with just $114,000 coming from Poland.

The memorandum does not specify volumes or commercial commitments, but it aims to ease regulatory hurdles linked to the recognition of veterinary and sanitary standards, potentially opening the door to greater trade.

Any increase in trade will depend on Morocco’s import needs, Polish suppliers’ competitiveness against other exporters, and the private sector’s ability to take advantage of the new framework.

Stéphanas Assocle