Morocco extends 170% soft wheat import tariff until end of August
Morocco has extended its 170% import duty on soft wheat until 31 August to support sales of the domestic harvest, despite slower-than-expected grain collections. A stronger 2026/27 wheat crop of 7.5 million tonnes is expected to reduce wheat imports to 3.7 million tonnes, nearly half the previous season’s level.
MOROCCO – Morocco has extended its 170% customs duty on soft wheat imports for another month, keeping the measure in place until August 31 as the country works to support sales of its domestic harvest.
The tariff, which took effect on June 1, had been due to end on July 31. Moroccan authorities decided to keep it in place after delays slowed the collection of locally produced wheat, according to officials from the National Federation of Millers and the National Federation of Cereal and Pulse Traders.
The government introduced the tariff to encourage buyers to purchase local wheat before turning to imports. However, collection has fallen well below expectations. Only about 500,000 tonnes had been collected, compared with a target of at least 1.5 million tonnes by the end of July.
According to Reuters, several factors have slowed collections. Many farmers have kept part of their grain for their own use, while labour shortages, older farm equipment and long periods of rain have also affected the pace of the harvest.
The latest decision gives farmers and grain collection operators more time to sell local production. Even so, grain industry groups say the slow pace of collections could put pressure on supplies if import support does not return in time to meet demand in September.
Morocco currently holds wheat stocks that can cover about three months of consumption. Even so, market observers say higher global wheat prices could create additional pressure if the shift from domestic supplies to imported grain does not happen smoothly.
Despite these short term concerns, Morocco expects a much stronger wheat season in 2026/2027. The country’s wheat harvest could reach 7.5 million tonnes, about double the previous season’s output, helped by better yields and a larger planted area.
A bigger harvest should reduce Morocco’s need for imported wheat. The latest July forecast from the United States Department of Agriculture shows the country could import 3.7 million tonnes of wheat during the 2026/2027 marketing year, down from 6.5 million tonnes a year earlier.
Morocco ranks as Africa’s third largest wheat consumer after Egypt and Algeria. The government continues to encourage local production as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on overseas supplies while keeping enough grain available for domestic demand.
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Source : Milling Middle East & Africa
