Morocco and Poland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on January 16 to strengthen cooperation on animal health and the sanitary safety of animal products, local media reported.
The agreement was signed by Morocco’s Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari and his Polish counterpart, Stefan Krajewski, during the International Green Week in Berlin, held from January 16 to 25.
The MoU signals both countries’ intent 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,” Krajewski said, according to Maroc Hebdo.
The agreement comes as Morocco’s livestock herd has suffered significant losses due to consecutive drought-hit seasons and rising feed costs. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the country lost 38% of its cattle and sheep between 2016 and 2025.
To mitigate the impact on meat markets and control price increases, Morocco has implemented measures to support imports of live animals and meat, including duty relief and regulatory adjustments. Under the 2026 finance law, imports of live bovine animals and camels are temporarily exempt from VAT from January 1 to December 31, 2026, capped at 300,000 cattle and 10,000 camels.
Closer ties with Poland could help Morocco diversify its livestock suppliers, which currently include Spain and Brazil. While Poland is a major global exporter of meat and edible offal, its role in Morocco’s market has been limited. Trade Map data show that Morocco imported nearly $47.4 million of meat and offal in 2024, with just $114,000 coming from Poland.
Although the memorandum does not set specific volumes or commercial commitments, it aims to streamline regulatory processes related to veterinary and sanitary standards, potentially paving the way for increased trade. The extent of future imports will depend on Morocco’s market needs, the competitiveness of Polish suppliers, and private sector engagement under the new framework.
