Morocco grain imports hit nine month high in March, Platts reports
Strong feed demand and drought keep Morocco reliant on imports despite plans to cut volumes.
MOROCCO – Morocco’s grain and feed imports rose to 1.48 million mt in March, the highest level in nine months, according to a report by Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, released on April 8.
The data shows that Morocco continues to rely on imports after two years of drought hurt local harvests. A Moroccan trader said the trend reflects a deeper issue. “Morocco remains structurally dependent on imports because of a chronic domestic production shortfall,” the trader said.
Even so, the Moroccan High Commission for Planning expects cereal output to recover in 2026. It projects total production at 8 million to 9 million mt, including about 5 million mt of soft wheat. This marks a sharp rise from last year’s 4.4 million mt, which included 2.4 million mt of soft wheat.
A Moroccan buyer said improved crop conditions could shift the import outlook in the coming months. “If these favorable crop conditions are confirmed in April, Morocco may close its border to wheat imports for two to three months, from May through the end of August,” the buyer said. The buyer added that weather risks such as dry winds and rainfall could still affect the harvest.
March import volumes show strong demand for animal feed. Corn reached 477,507 mt, while soft wheat stood at 480,741 mt. Soybean meal imports hit 169,059 mt, and DDGS reached 79,578 mt. These figures suggest buyers moved early to secure feed supplies.
Ports faced pressure during the quarter. Weather issues and global shipping delays slowed operations. In mid-February, about 80 ships waited off Casablanca, including around 25 carrying cereals, according to the trader.
Jorf Lasfar handled the largest share of imports in March at 658,228 mt, slightly ahead of Casablanca at 626,476 mt. Corn flows moved mainly through Jorf, while soft wheat still centered around Casablanca.
France remained the top wheat supplier with 295,346 mt in March, followed by Argentina. The United States led corn shipments with 378,910 mt. Canada supplied all durum wheat volumes during the month.
From the start of the 2025/26 season to March 31, Morocco imported 11.349 million mt of cereals and related products. France ranked as the leading supplier overall, followed by the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
Platts assessed wheat prices at Eur205 per mt, about US$220 per mt, and Eur203 per mt, about US$218 per mt, for May shipments on April 7.
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