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Morocco continues to import agricultural products derived from genetically engineered (GE) technologies for use in animal feed products. No GE products have been developed or commercialized for local production in Morocco. GE products are not allowed for human consumption.

This report covers food and agricultural import regulations and standards in the United Arab Emirates. U.S. agricultural suppliers are advised to consult with local importers prior to shipping to verify application of these requirements on their products.

This report identifies certificate requirements for U.S. food and agricultural products destined for the United Arab Emirates. This report is to be used in conjunction with the 2024 Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country Report for the United Arab Emirates.

New Zealand has signed a free-trade deal with the United Arab Emirates - the fastest agreement the country has ever reached. After negotiations began in May, the country's trade negotiators concluded the deal in four months.

The Government of Morocco has released its final wheat and barley production numbers for the 2024 crop, including 1.77 MMT of common wheat, 0.70 MMT of durum wheat, and 0.65 MMT of barley, about 43 percent down from the previous year’s crop.

Australia and the United Arab Emirates announced that negotiations on a new trade agreement, the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, have concluded.

Morocco notified WTO G/SPS/N/MAR/106 on August 7, 2024. The notification concerns animal feed additives registration. Comments are due October 6, 2024.

The UAE’s chicken meat production is forecast to grow by 17 percent in 2025, supported by governmental initiatives such as feed subsidies and technological investments. Consumption is expected to rise by 6 percent due to population growth, increased consumer spending, and a thriving tourism sector.

In 2023, Morocco was the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture on the African continent, importing over $610 million in U.S. agricultural products, accounting for over 16 percent of all U.S. exports to Africa. The United States has seen total exports quadruple and agricultural exports double since entering into a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Morocco in 2006.

On July 11, 2024, the government of Morocco adopted Order No. 2-23-557 dated May 14, 2024, establishing standards for the quality, health safety, and labeling of animal feed production. An unofficial translation is included in this report.

The government of Morocco has issued a new code of procedures for the importation of animal meal, which previously had no established framework. This regulation now permits the use of animal meal in dog and cat food, opening opportunities for broader applications of rendered products in other animal feeds.

Morocco is facing low wheat production in marketing year 2024/25 due to drought. The Ministry of Agriculture forecasts total wheat and barley production at 3.12 million metric tons, about 43 percent down from the previous year’s crop. In response to low production and rising wheat prices globally, the government of Morocco continues to support bread wheat imports based on a fixed flat-rate payment through June 30, 2024.