US poultry exports debut in Moroccan market
Agreed with the Moroccan government, the USDA worked alongside the US Trade Representative to provide assurances on the safety of the product after the African country previously prohibited imports of US poultry.
USDA estimated that Morocco will be a US$10m market for US poultry and described the move as an “important step” for US farmers to continue expanding their exports.
“Opening new markets for American poultry and other agricultural products is a top priority. I am convinced that when the Moroccan people get a taste of US poultry, they're going to want more of it,” said USDA’s secretary of agriculture Sonny Perdue.
“The products that will be imported into Morocco are safe, wholesome and very delicious. This is also a good harbinger of the kind of relationship that can be developed. We hope there are other things we can cooperate on as USDA works to expand markets around the globe.”
The US’ ongoing trade war with several international markets has put the industry under pressure, with many farmers fearing for their futures.
Although US President Donald Trump injected a short-term relief fund for farmers affected by retaliatory tariffs, the news should bring a sigh of relief from the likes of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), who said it was “paramount” for the industry to access new markets.
Morocco also welcomed Argentina’s edible bovine fat to its markets in July.
According to USDA, the US is the world’s second-largest poultry exporter, with global sales of poultry meat and products reaching $4.3 billion in value last year.
