Government Support for Wheat Imports
The Moroccan government has announced a compensation of up to 20.80 Moroccan dirhams for every quintal of imported soft wheat during the period from September 16 to September 30, 2026. This measure is part of the government's efforts to bolster the national reserves of this essential consumer product.
The importation of soft wheat will recommence in Morocco starting mid-September and continue until December 31, 2026, due to the challenges faced in enhancing strategic reserves over the past three months. In recent weeks, global soft wheat prices have experienced significant increases, primarily driven by rising tensions in the Black Sea region, which remains a critical hub for grain exports worldwide.
Impact of Global Price Fluctuations
European wheat prices at the Paris Stock Exchange (Euronext) surged to approximately 245 euros per ton before dropping to around 233 euros, influenced by expectations of resumed negotiations regarding maritime security in the Black Sea. Despite some recent declines, prices remain at their highest levels in over three years, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in the global market.
Russia and Ukraine, which together account for a substantial portion of global wheat exports, continue to exert significant influence on international price trends. The recent exchanges of fire targeting grain export infrastructure have severely curtailed wheat flows through the Black Sea, prompting many importing countries to seek alternative suppliers, such as Australia and Argentina, often at higher prices.
International organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasize that the ongoing conflict, coupled with adverse climatic conditions in Europe, is intensifying pressures on grain markets and increasing the risk of sustained high prices in the coming months.
Moroccan suppliers have previously assured that wheat is available in global markets, although they noted that shipping constraints could complicate import operations. The Moroccan government aims to secure soft wheat supplies for local mills without exceeding a price point of 270 dirhams per quintal by covering additional costs that go beyond this threshold.
It’s noteworthy that storage agencies have faced difficulties in acquiring the required quantities of local soft wheat over the past three months, as farmers and producers have been reluctant to sell their product at the prices proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests.
The kingdom had ceased the importation of local wheat since early June to allow Moroccan farmers the opportunity to market their products from the recent agricultural season.
As reported by hespress.com.
