Morocco cattle import ban Spain sparks concern among Spanish farmers

Spanish livestock farmers are expressing concern over Morocco cattle import ban Spain after Rabat suspended imports of live cattle from Spain at the end of 2025. The decision has disrupted a key export channel and raised pressure on Spain’s livestock sector.

According to a report cited by Moncloa and attributed to the Union of Small Farmers, known as UPA, the ban followed the emergence of cases of lumpy skin disease. The disease does not affect humans but impacts milk and meat production, leading Morocco to restrict imports as a preventive measure.

The impact of Morocco cattle import ban Spain has been significant for Spanish farmers. In 2024, Spain exported livestock worth 115 million units of live cattle, with Morocco identified as a major destination market.

UPA has urged the Spanish government to take what it describes as urgent diplomatic action to reopen the Moroccan market. The union highlighted the scale of the sector, stating that Spain has around 6.5 million head of cattle distributed across approximately 110,000 farms. It added that the livestock industry represents about 15 percent of national agricultural production value.

Morocco has remained a strategic trading partner for Spain. Trade data referenced from Trading Economics shows that bilateral commerce continues to reach high levels, with total exchanges surpassing 16 billion dollars annually. Spain remains one of Morocco’s most important global trade partners.

Morocco is also a country that depends on live cattle imports to stabilize domestic supply. Authorities have increased import volumes from Europe and South America, including Brazil, in an effort to manage market pressure.

Despite these measures, meat prices have remained elevated for consumers, with beef and sheep meat reportedly exceeding 120 Moroccan dirhams per kilogram. Public concern has also grown around livestock availability during religious demand periods such as Eid Al Adha, adding political pressure on the government.

The ongoing dispute around Morocco cattle import ban Spain continues to highlight the sensitivity of agricultural trade between the two countries, with farmers calling for a diplomatic resolution to restore market access.