Morocco plans temporary halt of wheat imports amid improved harvest outlook

Morocco is preparing to temporarily suspend imports of soft wheat in June and July as prospects for this season’s grain harvest improve. The move is intended to allow local production to reach the market without competition from incoming shipments.

The restriction will apply specifically to soft wheat, which is widely used in bread production and plays a key role in the domestic market. The government aims to support farmers during the peak harvest period while improving conditions for storage and marketing.

According to the country’s central bank, the harvest of the three main cereal crops could reach 8.2 mln tons this season, based on a planted area of 3.9 mln ha. This is expected to boost agricultural growth and increase its contribution to the economy in 2026.

In recent years, Morocco’s grain production has been highly dependent on rainfall, which has forced the country to rely more heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.

Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Morocco increased its grain purchases from international markets, including Russia, France, and the United States. At the same time, shipments are still arriving, with some vessels waiting to unload at the country’s ports.