Brazil is expanding its meat export opportunities to North African countries. This week, the Moroccan government announced a 20,000-ton quota for Brazilian beef and sheep meat, with a total exemption from import VAT. Another North African country, Algeria, joined the list of the top 20 importers of Brazilian beef this year.
The Moroccan initiative is part of a strategy to ensure a steady food supply in the country. With this exemption, Brazilian products become more competitive, potentially boosting sales and profitability for the sector.
Alongside the VAT exemption on meat and offal, regulations stipulate that up to 120,000 head of cattle and 100,000 sheep may also be imported VAT-free, further streamlining trade flow between the two nations. However, a parafiscal tax will still apply to importers.
The Brazilian government credits this accomplishment to an official mission to Morocco in April of this year. During the visit, the Brazilian delegation advanced negotiations on market access and discussed Moroccan import tariffs, which reach up to 200% for frozen beef and 100% for fresh chicken.
Morocco is among 60 countries that have opened their markets to Brazilian agricultural products in the past 22 months. In 2023, Morocco was the fourth-largest African destination for Brazilian exports, reaching USD 1.23 billion, while bilateral trade between the two countries totaled USD 2.65 billion.
Algeria
In Algeria, Brazilian beef import volumes rose 33.7% from January to September compared to the same period last year, with a 21% increase in revenue, according to the Brazilian Association of Meatpackers (Abrafrigo).
Algeria went from near-zero purchases last year to now being one of the largest importers. The North African nation acquired 34,200 tons of Brazilian beef in the first nine months of this year.
Furthermore, the Algerian government authorized Brazilian poultry imports at the end of 2023, with shipments beginning this year. So far, purchases have exceeded 10,000 tons, making it the eighth-most traded product between the two countries, while beef ranks sixth.