Morocco has recorded a national increase in livestock numbers, with the total population reaching 32,832,573 head, according to the findings of a national census conducted across the Kingdom between June 26 and August 11. The operation aimed to establish a «precise and up-to-date database on the livestock population» in order to improve productivity and sustainability in the sector, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release on Tuesday. The census revealed the following breakdown: 23,158,248 sheep (including 16,348,449 females), 7,474,172 goats (including 5,293,805 females), 2,094,109 cattle (including 1,556,842 females), and 106,044 camels (including 91,432 females). Although the census showed an overall increase in livestock numbers nationwide, it also recorded a decline of around 30% in cattle and camel numbers compared to usual averages. Cattle, typically ranging between 3 and 3.2 million, dropped mainly due to a reduction in dairy herds as a result of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the halt of irrigation in irrigated areas. Camels, usually averaging about 150,000 head, were affected by consecutive years of drought, the ministry noted. Based on these statistics, the ministry announced that starting at the end of September 2025, the suspension of customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) on imports of sheep, goats, and powdered milk will be lifted. However, the suspension on cattle imports will remain in place to support the gradual rebuilding of the national herd. These measures are part of the efforts, undertaken under Royal Directives, to replenish Morocco's livestock population. To this end, the government has mobilized nearly 11 billion dirhams in direct financial support for breeders. This assistance will go toward the purchase of animal feed, the preservation of breeding females, debt relief for herders, as well as vaccination campaigns and technical training. The amount of aid allocated to each beneficiary will be determined by the number of animals recorded by local commissions and identified with numbered ear tags. It is worth noting that Morocco skipped the Eid Al-Adha sacrifice this year due to the country's ongoing economic and climate-related hardships, which have led to a sharp decline in livestock numbers.
