Morocco's Response to Rising Rice Imports
In light of a dramatic increase in rice imports, the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Commerce has initiated a safeguard investigation aimed at protecting the national rice industry. This decisive action follows concerns raised by key local producers, who have alerted the government to the alarming rise in foreign rice imports, which have surged by 116% over the past three years, leading to market saturation and threatening the sovereignty of Moroccan rice production. The investigation was officially launched on April 13, 2026, and is a response to a petition from Mlah Mechich Alami and Mundiriz, companies that collectively account for 78% of the country's rice production.
The statistics compiled by the ministry reveal a critical situation for the Moroccan rice sector, with imports escalating from 54,980 tons in 2022 to a staggering 118,843 tons in 2025. This represents a relative increase in the share of imported rice compared to domestic production, which has skyrocketed from 140% to over 807% during the same timeframe. The scope of the investigation focuses specifically on white rice and parboiled rice, excluding aromatic varieties such as Basmati. Producers, importers, and exporters have until May 15, 2026, to respond to questionnaires issued by the ministry as part of the information-gathering phase. The ministry reserves the right to conduct hearings to gather further insights from the relevant stakeholders.
The findings of this investigation are expected within nine months, with a possible extension to twelve months if necessary. Should the investigation confirm significant harm linked to these imports, Morocco may implement safeguard measures in accordance with Law 15-09. Such measures typically entail additional customs duties or quotas, allowing the national sector a chance to regain competitiveness against destabilizing foreign competition.
As reported by medias24.com.
