Camel meat and offal market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

The camel meat market in Morocco began the period with growth, reaching 5 058 tonnes in 2019 from 4 676 tonnes in 2018. This expansion was supported by the state-backed 2011-2020 contract program for the camel sector, which invested 702 million dirhams to organize breeders, improve animal genetics, and stimulate production. The cultural and economic importance of camel husbandry in the Saharan regions also underpinned demand.

Market volume then contracted over the next three years, falling to 3 464 tonnes by 2022. This decline coincided with a sharp drop in imports, which plummeted from over 1 000 tonnes in 2019 to just 191 tonnes in 2021, while domestic production also decreased.

A strong recovery occurred in 2023, with the market rebounding to 5 045 tonnes. This surge took place against a backdrop of persistent drought that reduced the supply of other red meats and drove consumers toward more affordable alternatives like camel meat. Government measures to authorize livestock imports for religious holidays helped balance the market, but the shift in consumer preference toward camel meat as a cheaper protein source supported the market's recovery.

Production camel meat and offal in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco ranked 24th globally in the production of camel meat and offal.

Top producers of camel meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of camel meat and offal, 2017-2020

Morocco's production of camel meat and offal saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, the country produced 3 823 tonnes, representing a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the entire 2017–2020 period, production grew by 13.3%, which translates to an average annual increase of 4.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 048 tonnes, while the most significant year-on-year growth occurred in 2018 with a 10.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports camel meat and offal from Morocco

According to industry analysis, Morocco did not export any camel meat and offal from 2017 to 2020.

Imports camel meat and offal to Morocco

Imports in kind, t

The import market for camel meat and offal in Morocco displayed notable volatility during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, showing a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Morocco imported approximately 896 tonnes, which was 11.4% lower than the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 011 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 with a substantial 213.6% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco's imports of camel meat and offal were entirely sourced from Australia, which accounted for 100.0% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms also exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, rising to a peak in 2019 with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the import value reached 4 234 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 9.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 4 657 thousand US dollars, while the most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 with a remarkable 222.4% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the value of Morocco's imports of camel meat and offal was completely dominated by Australia, which represented 100.0% of total import expenditures.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020