Morocco Extends Tariff Protection on Soft Wheat
The Moroccan authorities have decided to maintain the 170% import duty on soft wheat purchases from abroad until August 31, as the national harvest collection is progressing slower than expected. The objective is clear: to encourage operators to prioritize locally produced wheat before reopening the market to imports.
Strategic Context
This measure, which came into effect on June 1 and was initially set to end on July 31, is part of a strategic plan for the Kingdom. Morocco, the third-largest consumer of wheat in Africa after Egypt and Algeria, has been seeking to reduce its exposure to international markets, which are highly sensitive to geopolitical crises and price fluctuations.
Supporting National Production
The extension of the tariff is intended to give farmers and collectors more time to sell the national production. However, the pace remains insufficient, with only around 500,000 tons of soft wheat collected, far from the target of 1.5 million tons set for the end of July. Several factors explain this delay, including:
- Farmers preferring to keep part of their stocks for their own needs
- Professionals citing difficulties related to labor shortages, aging equipment, and weather conditions that disrupted some harvesting operations
Improved Harvest Prospects
According to estimates published by the USDA in July, Morocco's wheat harvest could reach around 7.5 million tons during the 2026/2027 campaign, compared to a lower level the previous season. This improvement is expected to mechanically reduce the need for foreign purchases. American forecasts anticipate Moroccan wheat imports of around 3.7 million tons in 2026/2027, compared to approximately 6.5 million tons the previous year.
Conclusion
The extension of the tariff protection on soft wheat is a strategic move by the Moroccan authorities to support national production and reduce dependence on international markets. While the pace of collection remains slow, the improved harvest prospects and reduced import needs are expected to have a positive impact on the country's wheat market.
