Morocco's Strategic Shift in Wheat Import Policy
In a significant policy shift, the Moroccan government is poised to temporarily halt the importation of soft wheat, known as "Blé tendre," during the months of June and July. This decision comes in light of promising forecasts for substantial yields across various grain categories for the agricultural season 2025-2026. A knowledgeable source has indicated that this strategic move aims to prevent any adverse effects on the current harvest season while ensuring optimal conditions for the collection, storage, and enhancement of the national produce.
This initiative arises as indicators suggest a notable increase in the productivity of various grain types, especially soft wheat, which is the most consumed and sought-after variety in Morocco. The resumption of imports is expected to coincide with the onset of the next marketing campaign, aligning with the government’s broader agricultural objectives.
Currently, grain imports are ongoing, with several commercial vessels awaiting to offload their cargo at various ports across the kingdom. In March, the Moroccan central bank projected that the national output of the three primary grain types could reach a ceiling of 82 million quintals, a development that could elevate the agricultural sector's value-added by approximately 14.4% during the fiscal year 2026.
The Moroccan government had initially estimated a harvest of 70 million quintals for the current fiscal year, a figure bolstered by the rainfall received from December to February. Following a period of drought that saw grain production fluctuate, with figures dropping to 34 million quintals in 2022 and only rebounding to about 44 million quintals in 2025, the current forecasts are welcomed news.
Since the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Morocco has notably increased its imports of soft wheat from various countries, including Russia, the United States, and France. This surge in imports was accompanied by the government’s decision, through the National Office for Cereals and Pulses, to implement variable monthly bonuses for each quintal imported. However, these bonuses were discontinued in April of the previous year as international prices stabilized, remaining below the threshold of 270 dirhams per quintal.
As reported by hespress.com.
