Morocco’s wheat imports jump 6.8% in 2024 amid drought-driven shortfalls

MOROCCO –  Morocco significantly boosted its wheat imports in 2024, reaching 63 million quintals (6.3 million tonnes) up from 59 million quintals (5.9 million tonnes) the previous year, a 6.8% rise.

The Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture attributes the rise to the effects of weak rainfall and declining domestic cereal production.

Despite the increase in volume, the import bill dropped by 7.9%, from MAD 19.35 billion (1.93billion) in 2023 to MAD17.83 billion (1.78 billion) in 2024, thanks to stable international wheat prices.

According to data from the Office of Exchange, Morocco has maintained a strategic stockpile of at least three months’ worth of wheat to ensure market stability.

Abdelkader Alaoui, president of the National Federation of Mills, attributed the rise in imports to a sharp decline in domestic cereal production caused by insufficient rainfall during the last agricultural season.

Official harvest figures reveal that total cereal production for the 2023–2024 season plummeted to 31.2 million quintals, a 43% drop compared to the previous season. Soft wheat production was estimated at 17.5 million quintals, durum wheat at 7.1 million quintals, and barley at 6.6 million quintals.

To meet demand, Morocco diversified its supply sources, importing soft wheat from France, Romania, Germany, Russia, Poland, and the United States.

Alaoui emphasized that this import strategy is crucial for mitigating the impact of drought and ensuring a steady supply of wheat to the market. “This approach helps the country navigate the challenges posed by dry conditions while keeping the market well-supplied,” he told SNRTnews.

The cost of wheat upon arrival at Moroccan ports currently ranges between MAD 284 and 285 per quintal (28.50–28.50–28.60). To stabilize prices, the government subsidizes the difference between import costs and delivery prices to mills, covering MAD 14 ($1.40) per quintal.

Russia has emerged as a key supplier, with Morocco importing 222,000 tons of wheat from the country between November 1 and 20, 2024—more than double the 119,000 tons imported during the same period in 2023.

This shift reflects Morocco’s growing reliance on Russian wheat amid global supply chain disruptions and persistent drought conditions.

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