Import restrictions and soaring international prices put pressure on milk producers
Morocco’s dairy farmers and agricultural cooperatives are facing growing challenges in securing imported dairy cattle, as international prices remain elevated and restrictions on imports from some European countries continue to limit supply.
Several Moroccan cooperatives specializing in milk production have reportedly accumulated requests from farmers seeking new dairy cattle to replenish and expand their herds. However, high purchase prices, transportation expenses and animal-health restrictions are making imports increasingly expensive.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Moroccan authorities are expected to ease import procedures from certain European countries beginning in October. Imports from these countries had previously been suspended because of infectious animal diseases, with their resumption linked to official declarations confirming that the diseases had been eradicated and the affected countries had recovered.
European cattle prices reach unprecedented levels
The shortage of affordable dairy cattle is particularly evident in European markets. One of Morocco’s largest dairy cooperatives reportedly attempted to purchase cattle from Portugal but temporarily abandoned the effort after suppliers quoted significantly higher prices.
Portuguese suppliers were reportedly asking around €5,000 per cow, excluding transportation and shipping costs. Once logistics and associated import expenses are added, the final cost to Moroccan farmers could rise considerably.
| Market | Approx. cattle price | Additional costs |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €5,000 per cow | Transportation and shipping excluded |
| United States | $6,000 per animal | Transportation and shipping excluded |
The cooperative’s head said that prices could increase further once transportation and shipping expenses are taken into account, placing additional pressure on farmers already operating with tight production margins.
U.S. supplies remain costly despite greater availability
Moroccan cooperatives have also explored the U.S. market, which has a comparatively larger supply of dairy cattle. However, American cattle have also become expensive.
Producers in the United States have reportedly quoted prices of approximately $6,000 per animal, again excluding transportation and shipping costs.
Strong international demand for milk-producing breeds, combined with limited availability, has contributed to the sharp increase in cattle prices. For Moroccan farmers, this means that sourcing productive animals is becoming more difficult at a time when maintaining herd numbers is essential for sustaining milk output.
Farmers face difficult choices
Despite the increased financial burden, dairy farmers have limited alternatives. Replacing older or less productive animals is important for maintaining milk production, while expanding herds can be necessary for cooperatives attempting to meet market demand.
However, purchasing cattle at elevated international prices can significantly increase farmers’ capital requirements. Transportation, shipping, veterinary requirements and other import-related expenses can further raise the total cost of bringing animals into Morocco.
The situation therefore creates a difficult balance for dairy producers: delaying purchases could affect herd productivity, while importing cattle at current prices could increase operating and investment costs.
October import changes could provide some relief
The expected easing of import procedures from certain European countries in October could potentially improve access to cattle and provide Moroccan cooperatives with more sourcing options.
Nevertheless, the return of imports alone may not immediately resolve the pricing challenge. International supply conditions and strong demand for dairy breeds are likely to remain important factors influencing prices.
For Morocco’s dairy sector, the combination of import restrictions, limited international supply and high cattle prices highlights the broader challenges facing farmers seeking to maintain and modernize their herds.
As cooperatives continue to assess sourcing opportunities in Europe and the United States, farmers will be closely watching both Morocco’s import policy and international cattle markets for signs of improved availability and more manageable prices.
