Morocco reduces cereal imports by 11% amid food security concerns

Thursday 28 August 2025 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco reduces cereal imports by 11% amid food security concerns

Morocco has reduced its cereal imports by 11% during the first seven months of 2025, signaling a push for more strategic grain management and food security measures. According to the National Federation of Cereal and Vegetable Traders, the country imported 5.847 million tons of cereals between January and July, down from 6.57 million tons during the same period in 2024.

The federation attributes this decline to careful purchasing decisions and Morocco's strategy to build up grain reserves amid abundant global supplies. However, the overall reduction hides significant variations across different cereal types.

Mixed trends in cereal imports

Durum wheat imports surged by 24% to 825,789 tons, reflecting its growing role in Morocco's semolina and pasta production. Similarly, corn imports rose by 12% to 1.716 million tons, driven by demand from the livestock feed sector.

In contrast, soft wheat imports, critical for bread and flour production, dropped by 16% to 2.636 million tons. Barley imports experienced the sharpest decline, plummeting 58% to 430,527 tons, compared to over one million tons during the same period last year. The federation linked the reduction in barley imports to improved livestock conditions and adjustments to existing reserves.

Reliance on international markets

Despite the drop in overall imports, Morocco remains heavily dependent on international markets to meet its cereal needs, particularly for soft wheat, which is vital for bread and other staples. Experts note that the country’s reliance on imports leaves it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and climate shocks.

The federation emphasized the importance of diversifying import sources, boosting local production, and managing reserves efficiently to address ongoing food security challenges.

The increase in durum wheat and corn imports reflects strategic priorities aligned with domestic consumption trends and livestock requirements, while the declines in soft wheat and barley are seen as temporary adjustments rather than long-term shifts.

Strengthening domestic production

Efforts to enhance local production remain central to Morocco’s strategy for achieving greater food independence. In April, the agriculture ministry projected a cereal harvest of 44 million quintals for the 2024-2025 season, a 41% increase compared to the previous year.

However, experts caution that even such considerable growth will not be enough to eliminate Morocco’s reliance on cereal imports. Achieving lasting food security will require sustained investments in agricultural resilience and climate adaptation strategies.