Morocco has opened a tender to import 4,000 tonnes of frozen meat from Brazil to supply its armed forces, as drought and high prices hit local supply.
The order includes 3,000 tonnes of beef and 1,000 tonnes of camel meat. The rules say the meat must meet Moroccan health standards and halal slaughter requirements. The beef must come from approved Brazilian suppliers and be delivered within three months of slaughter.
A special inspection team will check the shipments before they are accepted to make sure they meet safety and quality rules.
The move comes as Morocco faced drought in recent years which has reduced livestock and pushed meat prices up. By importing for the military, the government aims to ease pressure on the local market and help keep prices from rising further.
Brazil is seen as a reliable partner because it produces meat at large scale and at lower cost. It is also a major exporter of halal meat. Direct shipping routes to ports such as Tangier Med help meet delivery deadlines.
Recent data shows imported Brazilian beef is cheaper than local meat. Wholesale prices in Morocco range from 72 to 95 dirhams per kilo, while imports are around 65 to 80 dirhams.
The contract is worth about 127.7 million dirhams for beef and 42.6 million dirhams for camel meat. Officials say the plan will secure steady supplies for the military and help stabilise prices for consumers.
