Eid Al Adha 2020: Morocco Sees Sheep Prices Drop Amid Weak Demand

The traditional identification of the animals, launched since April 22 by the Interprofessional Federation of Red Meats (Fiviar) and the National Sheep and Goat Association (ANOC), ended this Wednesday, July 15, reports Medias24.com.

As in 2019, the supply has not changed. It is found at the same level as last year, unlike the demand, which is down, as well as the prices of sheep, we are told. In detail, relatively large animals are sold for around 1,300 DH. For the same media, these prices are relatively low compared to last year, where the price per kilogram ranged between 47 and 51 DH. They should see a 10% drop compared to 2019. As for the large sheep, the prices should see a slight drop against a slight increase for the small sheep, indicates the Fiviar.

This drop in prices can be justified by the drop in the purchasing power of the population, and the absence of Moroccans residing abroad (MRE), due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the same source, nearly a million MRE families had extended their vacation in 2019 to spend Eid Al Adha in the country. "Which had an impact on prices. The supply is therefore at the same level as last year, but with fewer buyers," it added.

On the side of the breeders, a loss of 300 to 500 DH per head is announced due to the crisis. According to one of the specialists in the sale of the Timahdite breed, the prices are much lower than last year. "The price per kg currently varies between 30 to 35 DH. A large animal can therefore be sold from 1,500 DH, depending on its weight," he continued.