Sheep, goats, and powdered milk: New measures
New measures are linked to the national livestock census. Based on recent statistics, the decision to suspend customs duties and value added tax on imports of sheep and goats, as well as on imports of milk powder, will be revoked at the end of September 2025. The suspension of import duties and value added tax on cattle imports will remain in place in order to contribute to the gradual rebuilding of the national cattle herd. This was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests in a press release.
In accordance with the High Royal Instructions, appropriate measures will be implemented and monitored to ensure the effective and sustainable rebuilding of the national herd. To this end, the government has mobilized nearly 11 billion dirhams (USD 1.21 billion) in direct financial support for livestock farmers. These funds will be used to purchase livestock feed, preserve breeding females, reduce livestock farmers’ debt, organize vaccination campaigns, and provide technical support to livestock farmers. The amount of aid per beneficiary will be determined based on the number of livestock counted by local commissions and identified by numbered tags.
I In order to ensure the success of the operation and that it is carried out professionally and according to objective criteria, a national livestock census was conducted in all prefectures and provinces of the Kingdom. This took place between June 26 and August 11, 2025. The aim of this operation is to build an accurate and up-to-date database on livestock numbers in the Kingdom. The goal is to improve the productivity and sustainability of the livestock sector and contribute effectively to national food sovereignty.
The operation highlights an increase in livestock numbers at the national level. The total national livestock population, recorded during the period from June 26 to August 11, 2025, stands at 32,832,573 head. This livestock is divided into sheep (23,158,248 head, including 16,348,449 females), goats (7,474,172 head, including 5,293,805 females), cattle (2,094,109 head, including 1,556,842 females) and camels (106,044 head, including 91,432 females), the ministry said in a statement relating to the national livestock census.
Fatim -Zahra TOHRY
