Moroccan grain importers face rising costs amid Middle East conflict

Grain importers in Morocco are facing significant delays and rising expenses as port congestion and global shipping disruptions strain supply chains, according to S&P Global. Shipments of wheat and other grains are taking much longer to arrive, with some cargoes still stuck months after being dispatched.

Market sources report that severe weather earlier this year, coupled with the ongoing Middle East conflict, has slowed vessel movements and filled key ports. In mid-February, around 80 ships were waiting near Casablanca, including 25 carrying cereals. Some containers shipped in January remain held in Spanish ports due to limited capacity in Morocco.

Rising shipping costs have added further pressure. Charter rates from France now average about $15,000 per day, while vessels from the Americas cost around $25,000 per day. The Middle East conflict has forced shipping companies to reroute vessels between Asia, Europe, and Africa, increasing the role of Morocco’s Tanger Med Port along Atlantic routes.

Congestion and longer routes have also raised insurance costs, penalties for delays, and fuel expenses. Additional container surcharges now range from $1,500 to $3,300, with special equipment fees reaching up to $4,000 per container.

These disruptions are affecting global food markets. Black Sea wheat prices have already risen by around $6 per metric ton to $237 per ton due to tighter supply and higher transportation costs. Trade flows are shifting as well: corn previously destined for Iran is now heading to Mediterranean and Red Sea ports, while sugar and poultry importers increasingly rely on road transport from Oman and the UAE due to congestion at key sea routes.

Tags: grain, imports, Morocco