The Moroccan delegation with Australian officials.

LIVE sheep shipments from Western Australia to Morocco are expected before 1 May 2028, when the trade is due to be phased out by the Albanese Government.

Reacting to a suggestion that approvals for any Moroccan shipments will not come before the proposed ban, Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chief executive officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said he expected the first shipment within months.

He expected there might be several shipments to Morocco before the trade is due to be phased out.

Mr Harvey-Sutton said the Moroccan delegation to Western Australia last week was about establishing commercial relationships.

“It was funded by the Moroccan Government and they are very keen to have an outcome from it.

“Obviously, what needs to happen next is those discussion continue after those relationships are established, but I am very optimistic about a shipment happening in the next few months,” he said.

“They are very keen.

“We don’t know for sure when it will commence, but based on the enthusiasm shown last week, I think we would be hoping that a shipment can occur as soon as possible,” he said.

The delegation included several importers, the head of the country’s agriculture department and a ministerial adviser.

Bilateral health protocols between the Australian and Moroccan governments have been signed, but the exporter would have to get an ESCAS supply chain approved when there is an intention to export. The shipment would also have to occur on a vessel with an Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock accredited by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“Yes, it’s open for business subject to the normal regulatory approvals an exporter would have to go through when sending a commercial consignment.”

Mr Harvey-Sutton said the whole delegation’s interest in Australia as a source of sheep has been driven by Morocco’s food security needs, with the country being hit by drought and the depletion of the domestic flock.

“Traditionally the Moroccan market has consumed lighter animals, but what we were trying to demonstrate was that we have very high quality sheep here, we have excellent biosecurity and the animals yield very well.

“So there would still be significant opportunities with Australian animals if their market could adjust.”

Mr Harvey-Sutton said Australia’s superior biosecurity status and structures have also led Morocco to Australia to source sheep.