Morocco Boosts Wheat Imports as Market Prices Stabilize

With the stability of its prices on international markets, Morocco has increased its wheat imports and is keeping at least a three-month stock, said Abdelkader Alaoui, the president of the National Federation of Mills.

According to the official data issued by the Office of Exchange, imports of that grain reached close to 63 million quintals in 2024, up from 59 million last year.

Despite the higher volume, the import bill dropped from MAD 19.35 billion ($1.93 billion) in 2023 to MAD 17.83 billion ($1.78 billion) in 2024, marking a 7.9% decrease.

In a statement to SNRTnews, Alaoui said weak rainfall last season saw cereal production drop drastically, hence Morocco had to secure supply from various sources.

Harvest figures show total cereal production at 31.2 million quintals, down 43% compared to the previous season.

Soft wheat production was estimated by the Ministry of Agriculture at 17.5 million quintals, durum wheat at 7.1 million, and barley at 6.6 million.

It increased its supply list with soft wheat imports from France, Romania, Germany, Russia, Poland, and the United States to meet demand.

Alaoui reassured that this strategy helps the country get through the repercussions caused by dry conditions while keeping the market well-supplied.

The cost of wheat upon arrival at Moroccan ports stands between MAD 284 and 285 per quintal ($28.50–$28.60). The government intervenes to bridge the gap between import costs and delivery prices to mills, covering MAD 14 ($1.40) per quintal.

Sapped by persistent drought and disrupted world supply lines, Morocco is increasingly looking to Russia for wheat supplies.

By the period from November 1 to 20, the country imported 222,000 tons from Russia, more than double the 119,000 tons in the same period of 2023.

Tags: prices, Production, wheat, imports, Morocco, durum wheat, soft wheat, markets, cereal