Moroccan wheat product exports surge by 35% in 2023/24, driven by West African demand

MOROCCO – The Moroccan exports of processed wheat products, including pasta and couscous, rose by 35% to reach 125,343 tonnes during the 2023/2024 marketing year, according to a recent report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA attributes this increase to the growing demand in West African countries, which absorbed over 62,413 tonnes, approximately 50% of Morocco’s total wheat product exports.

Senegal emerged as the largest importer of Moroccan wheat products for the first time, surpassing European Union markets. According to the report, Senegal’s imports soared by nearly 70%, reaching 38,343 tonnes during the period under review.

The country’s growing demand highlights its rising consumption of wheat-based foods such as pasta and couscous, which are gaining prominence alongside traditional staples like rice.

Togo and Benin also showed robust import growth. Togo’s purchases rose by 43% to 8,681 tonnes, while Benin imported 8,192 tonnes, securing its position among Morocco’s top destinations for wheat products. Guinea, with total imports of 8,159 tonnes, was the only West African country to record a decline, dropping by 19.6%.

Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso demonstrated impressive growth as well, with imports nearly doubling to 4,144 tonnes and 3,086 tonnes, respectively.

Morocco’s strategic focus on West African markets is paying off, as the region’s urban population increasingly embraces wheat-based food products.

Despite being a key exporter of wheat products, Morocco is a net wheat importer with estimates suggesting that around 50-60% of Morocco’s wheat needs are met through imports. The National Grain Agency (ONICL) is a state agency tasked with ensuring adequate market supply of grains in Morocco.

In MY 2024/24, the country is anticipated to increase in wheat imports to over 5 million tons due to reduction in domestic wheat production as a result of severe drought conditions that has continued to hit the nation.

By August 2024, Morocco had imported about 1.92 million quintals of soft wheat from Russia, a notable increase compared to the 0.33 million quintals imported from France during the same period

Omar Yacoubi, president of the National Federation of Grain and Legume Traders (FNCL), attributed this shift to Russia’s competitive quality-price ratio.

However, he emphasized that this adjustment is likely “purely cyclical,” as Morocco has traditionally relied on French wheat and is not expected to permanently abandon its relationship with France. Still, Russia’s competitive edge has made it a critical partner in the short term.

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