Source: Susan Kelly, MEATINGPLACE, 12/7/18

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced Thursday that the government of Morocco has agreed to allow imports of U.S. beef and beef products into the country.

This year is the first that U.S. beef and poultry exporters have access to Morocco’s market under the terms of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement. Morocco opened its market to U.S. poultry in August.

As of November 2018, U.S. exports of agricultural products to Morocco exceeded $512 million. Initial estimates indicate that Morocco would be an $80 million market for U.S. beef and beef products, USDA said.

In 2017, the United States was the world’s third largest beef exporter, with global sales of beef and beef products valued at $7.3 billion.

“Finding new markets for American agricultural products has been a priority for the Trump Administration from day one, and the opening of the Moroccan market is good news for our producers,” Perdue said in a statement. “American beef is the best in the world, and once Moroccans get a taste of it, they’ll surely want more.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Kevin Kester said new access to Morocco is welcome news for producers.

“We are excited that Moroccan consumers can now enjoy high-quality U.S. beef," Kester said. "NCBA is grateful for the leadership of President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer and Ambassador (Gregg) Doud have shown on this issue. We look forward to working with them to continue tearing down trade barriers for U.S. beef in markets around the world.”

More details on export requirements for Morocco can be found here.

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