Morocco reduces cereal imports despite ongoing international dependency
Morocco’s cereal imports declined by 11 percent during the first seven months of 2025, dropping to 5.847 million tons from 6.57 million tons in the corresponding period of 2024, according to data released by the National Federation of Cereal and Legume Traders.
The reduction reflects strategic inventory management amid abundant global supplies, though structural dependency on international markets persists.
The aggregate decline masks significant variations across different cereals. Durum wheat imports surged 24 percent to 825,789 tons, driven by expanding semolina and pasta production. Corn imports increased 12 percent to 1.716 million tons, supporting the livestock feed sector. Conversely, soft wheat purchases decreased 16 percent to 2.636 million tons, while barley imports plummeted 58 percent to just 430,527 tons, down from over one million tons previously.
Industry experts attribute these divergent trends to strategic consumption patterns and agricultural requirements. The sustained demand for soft wheat, despite reduced imports, underscores Morocco’s continued reliance on international markets for staple food security. The dramatic barley reduction suggests improved domestic conditions in livestock sectors combined with inventory adjustments.
The Ministry of Agriculture projects domestic cereal production will reach 44 million quintals for the 2024-2025 campaign, representing a 41 percent increase from the previous season. While encouraging, this growth remains insufficient to substantially reduce import dependency in the near term.
Climate volatility and inadequate harvests continue pressuring Morocco’s food security framework. The federation emphasizes the necessity of diversifying import sources, strengthening local production capacity, and implementing rigorous reserve management strategies. These measures aim to mitigate the kingdom’s vulnerability to global market fluctuations and weather-related disruptions affecting agricultural output.
The evolving import patterns highlight Morocco’s ongoing challenge balancing immediate consumption needs with long-term aspirations for greater food sovereignty and reduced international market exposure.