Morocco turns to Russia as French wheat exports drop by 46%

MOROCCO – France’s soft wheat exports to Morocco are projected to plummet by 46%, from 2.8 million tonnes in the 2023 marketing year to just 1.5 million tonnes in 2024/2025.

This sharp decline is attributed to a historic drop in France’s wheat harvest, according to the Association of French Cereal Producers (Intercéréales France).

French soft wheat production is expected to hit a 40-year low, with yields down by 25% compared to 2023, marking the smallest harvest since 1983.

The impact of this shortfall will significantly disrupt Morocco’s wheat supply chain, as France has long been Morocco’s primary supplier of soft wheat, accounting for nearly half of the country’s imports in 2023.

The decline in French wheat exports is now forcing Morocco to seek alternative sources, as its domestic production falls far short of meeting local demand for bread, semolina, and other staples.

Omar Yacoubi, head of the National Federation of Grain Traders (FNCL), expressed the urgency of the situation, stating,

 “We are forced to turn to other exporting countries such as Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Baltic countries, Poland, and Germany.”

Russia, in particular, is expected to become the leading supplier of soft wheat to Morocco by the end of the 2024/25 marketing year. Russia’s large harvests and competitive pricing have positioned it as a dominant player in the global wheat market, offering an attractive option for price-sensitive buyers like Morocco.

Yacoubi further noted that Morocco has already initiated a significant wheat import program from Russia to offset the shortfall from France.

 “The Russians have very good quality and offer the most competitive price on the market,” he said, reinforcing Russia’s growing role as a key player in global wheat exports.

Morocco’s heavy reliance on imported grains, particularly wheat, makes it vulnerable when traditional suppliers like France experience production shortfalls.

According to the Moroccan government’s latest figures, the country’s wheat and barley production dropped by 43% in the 2024/25 marketing year (MY) due to severe drought.

The total production for 2024 includes 1.77 million metric tons (MMT) of common wheat, 0.70 MMT of durum wheat, and 0.65 MMT of barley. These numbers mark a sharp decline from the previous season, with Morocco’s agricultural sector feeling the ongoing effects of climate challenges.

In response to reduced domestic production and strong global wheat prices, the Moroccan government has continued supporting wheat imports by offering a flat-rate subsidy valid until September 30, 2024.

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