Morocco launches probe into rice imports amid pressure on farmers
Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has opened a safeguard investigation into rising rice imports after a formal complaint from two domestic producers. The inquiry, which began on April 13, covers both white and brown rice and comes at a sensitive moment for the agricultural sector as farmers prepare for the next planting season.
The two companies behind the complaint account for about 78 percent of national rice production, meeting the legal threshold required to trigger such an investigation. Authorities said the move follows a sharp increase in imports in recent years, which has disrupted the balance between domestic supply and foreign competition.
Official figures show imports rose from 54,980 tons in 2022 to 118,843 tons in 2025, marking a 116 percent increase. During the same period, the ratio of imported rice to local production surged from 139.73 percent to more than 807 percent. This rapid expansion has intensified competition in the domestic market and reduced the ability of local producers to sell their harvest.
Industry representatives say the consequences are already visible. Mohamed El Arabi Ghazouani, a company director involved in the complaint, reported financial losses across the sector over the past two years. He said a large share of the 2025 harvest remained unsold due to competition from imported rice, particularly shipments originating from Egypt and India.
Global market dynamics have contributed to the surge. Increased supply on international markets and the relaxation of export restrictions by major producing countries have redirected larger volumes toward Morocco. These conditions have lowered prices and strengthened the position of foreign suppliers in the local market.
The investigation coincides with renewed expectations among farmers following recent rainfall. Improved water availability has raised hopes for expanding rice cultivation, which had declined during years of drought. However, producers remain cautious as planting typically begins at the end of May and market conditions remain uncertain.
As part of the process, the ministry will collect data from local producers, importers, and foreign exporters. All parties have 30 days from the launch of the probe to submit information or request hearings. The investigation is expected to take up to nine months, with the possibility of extending to one year depending on findings.
-
11:45
-
11:40
-
11:30
-
11:15
-
11:15
-
11:09
-
11:00
-
11:00
-
10:42
-
10:38
-
10:25
-
10:17
-
10:10
-
10:00
-
09:50
-
09:47
-
09:30
-
09:19
-
09:15
-
09:00
-
08:49
-
23:56
-
23:45
-
23:30
-
23:15
-
23:05
-
23:00
-
22:45
-
22:30
-
22:15
-
22:00
-
21:45
-
21:30
-
21:15
-
21:00
-
20:45
-
20:30
-
20:15
-
20:00
-
19:45
-
19:30
-
19:05
-
18:45
-
18:30
-
18:15
-
17:58
-
17:40
-
17:32
-
17:30
-
17:25
-
17:25
-
17:10
-
17:04
-
16:47
-
16:32
-
16:31
-
16:30
-
16:27
-
16:15
-
16:07
-
16:06
-
16:00
-
15:50
-
15:45
-
15:40
-
15:35
-
15:30
-
15:25
-
15:21
-
15:15
-
15:00
-
14:58
-
14:45
-
14:35
-
14:30
-
14:15
-
14:00
-
13:45
-
13:30
-
13:13
-
12:58
-
12:40
-
12:21
-
12:05
