Rising Sheep Prices Ahead of Eid Al-Adha 2025 Despite Livestock Imports

Saturday 23 November 2024 - 19:00

By: ELMIR Barae

Rising Sheep Prices Ahead of Eid Al-Adha 2025 Despite Livestock Imports

Sheep prices for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha in 2025 are expected to rise significantly compared to last year, despite the importation of livestock to stabilize the market.

A professional in the sector explained that the cost of imported sheep is set to increase sharply, leading to a substantial hike in prices for locally available livestock. “Importers will struggle to source sheep at reasonable prices,” he lamented.

Efforts to Stabilize the Market

Mohamed Jebli, President of the Moroccan Federation of Livestock Sector Stakeholders (FMAFE), recently noted a decline in the prices of imported red meat, which should ideally lower the cost of both sheep and cattle in Morocco.

In a statement to Le Site Info, Jebli highlighted that the price of imported beef does not exceed 80 dirhams per kilogram, while imported lamb costs around 85 dirhams per kilogram. “Imported meat, particularly from Spain, could help reduce red meat prices in Morocco, especially as import volumes increase,” Jebli explained.

However, current prices remain high, with beef ranging between 90 and 110 dirhams per kilogram and lamb reaching approximately 130 dirhams.

Government Initiatives and Public Criticism

To address these issues, Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson, announced that 20,000 tons of imported meat would enter the Moroccan market before the end of the year.

Despite these measures, critics argue that ongoing reliance on imports has failed to deliver tangible results, as prices continue to rise. Some experts are calling for more structural solutions to address market challenges and support local livestock production.

As Eid Al-Adha approaches, many Moroccan households are bracing for the financial strain of acquiring a sacrificial sheep amid soaring prices.