The sheep export campaign for the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice has once again positioned Algeria as the main destination for Spanish lamb, both live and as meat, in a context marked by the absence of sales to Morocco.
According to EFEAgro, exports to the Moroccan market have practically ground to a halt following the imposition of a 200% tariff on lamb from Spain and Portugal. This measure is part of Morocco’s strategy to protect and strengthen its domestic livestock after several years affected by drought.
Given this situation, Algeria has absorbed a significant portion of the foreign demand. As early as 2025, Algeria accounted for 82% of Spanish live lamb exports during the month leading up to the religious festival, a trend that continued into the 2026 season.
The sector views the Algerian market’s performance positively, although it also warns of the need to diversify export destinations and open new markets to avoid excessive dependence on a single buyer.
In addition to the increase in live animal exports, Algeria is also increasing its purchases of meat and carcasses, a particularly positive trend for the Spanish processing industry, as it generates greater added value and reduces the health complexities associated with transporting live animals.
The season has allowed export levels to remain similar to those of previous years, although the sector anticipates a moderation of farmgate prices once the religious celebrations have ended and with the arrival of summer, when lamb consumption traditionally decreases in the domestic market.
Source: EFEAgro.
