Brazilian meat in Morocco could soon take a larger share of the Moroccan market. Since 3 September 2026, the European Union has applied new requirements concerning antimicrobials used in livestock farming. Brazil is not, at this stage, among the countries authorised to export certain animal products to the EU.
This situation is pushing Brazilian exporters to look for new outlets. Morocco appears among the markets likely to attract part of these trade flows. This shift comes as Spanish livestock farmers have already lost part of their access to the Moroccan market.
Brazilian meat in Morocco: why this new interest?
The change stems from the entry into force of Article 118 of the European regulation on veterinary medicines.
Since 3 September, countries that export animals and products of animal origin to the European Union must provide guarantees concerning the use of antimicrobials.
Brazil was not on the list of authorised countries when these new rules took effect.
The European Commission points out, however, that this situation may evolve. Brazil can provide the necessary guarantees and request to be reinstated on the list of authorised countries.
In the meantime, exporters are therefore looking for other markets.
Brazilian exports look for new markets
Brazil has a major meat industry. The country exports large quantities of beef and poultry in particular.
The Moroccan market already represents an outlet for several Brazilian agricultural and food products.
In this context, Brazilian meat exports could be redirected towards markets outside the European Union.
According to José María García Álvarez-Coque, professor at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, this development could increase pressure on Spanish producers.
The professor believes that Morocco previously represented a key market for Spanish beef exporters.
Brazilian meat in Morocco: Spain faces fresh competition
The situation is of particular concern to the Spanish beef sector.
In 2024, Spain exported 61,715 live cattle to Morocco, according to data cited by La Voz de Galicia. The Kingdom was then one of Spain’s main external outlets.
The trade relationship deteriorated after the emergence of lumpy skin disease in Spain. Morocco suspended the entry of live cattle from the country.
Spanish livestock farmers therefore lost an important market. At the same time, Brazilian exporters are looking for new destinations for their products.
A Moroccan market where demand remains strong
The Moroccan context also helps explain the interest in the Kingdom.
The country is seeking to strengthen its supply of red meat and to ease pressure on prices. Imports form part of this strategy.
Moroccan authorities have already taken several measures to facilitate the supply of livestock and meat to the domestic market.
The arrival of new suppliers could therefore diversify the range of products available to Moroccan consumers.
Brazilian meat could intensify competition
The arrival of Brazilian beef on the Moroccan market could strengthen competition between suppliers.
For Spanish producers, this prospect comes after the closure of the Moroccan market to live cattle from Spain.
José María García Álvarez-Coque believes that this new configuration may weigh on Spanish producers. He recalls, however, that livestock prices depend on several factors.
It would therefore be excessive to attribute the difficulties of the Spanish sector solely to Brazilian competition.
Why is Europe limiting Brazilian imports?
The European decision is based on rules designed to combat antimicrobial resistance.
EU regulations in particular govern the use of certain veterinary medicines. They also require guarantees for products coming from third countries.
The aim is notably to prevent the use of certain substances banned in the European Union to promote growth or improve animal performance.
The European Commission includes this policy in its “One Health” approach, which treats antimicrobial resistance as a public health issue.
Brazil disputes the impact of these new rules and is seeking to restore its exports to Europe.
Brazilian meat in Morocco: what impact on the market?
The situation is creating a new balance between several major players.
Brazil is looking for new outlets. Morocco wants to secure its supplies. Spain is trying to protect its export markets.
The Kingdom could benefit from a more diversified offer. But the arrival of new suppliers could also intensify competition on the Moroccan market.
For now, it remains difficult to determine how much Brazilian meat in Morocco could actually be redirected following the European restrictions.
The evolution of imports over the coming months will make it possible to measure the real impact of this new trade configuration.
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