Morocco turns to Russia for wheat supply amid declining domestic production
Morocco is boosting wheat imports from Russia, following a decline in domestic production and reduced French exports. A deal between Russia’s Rusgrain Union and Morocco’s FNCL aims to increase wheat exports to 1.5 million tons. Morocco’s diversification strategy includes sourcing wheat from countries like Romania and Ukraine to meet its annual demand of 5 to 5.5 million tons.
Morocco is strengthening its trade ties with Russia to ensure a steady supply of soft wheat, a move driven by declining domestic wheat production and a reduction in exports from traditional suppliers, particularly France.
As global grain markets face challenges from climate conditions and fluctuating supply, Morocco has turned to Russia as a strategic partner to diversify its wheat sources. The shift comes as the North African country faces increasing demand in its growing agrifood sector.
Edouard Zernine, president of the Russian Union of Grain Exporters (Rusgrain Union), announced this week that Russia plans to export approximately 1 million tons of wheat to Morocco for the current season, with an aim to increase the volume to 1.5 million tons in the future. The statement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Casablanca between the National Federation of Cereal and Legume Traders (FNCL) and Rusgrain Union.
The agreement, which is valid for one year and can be renewed, is designed to facilitate the flow of Russian wheat to Morocco and further enhance the growing trade relationship between the two nations. As a result, Russia has now become Morocco’s largest supplier of wheat, surpassing France, a historic supplier.
Between July and October, Morocco became one of the top ten buyers of Russian wheat, reflecting the increasing presence of Russian grain in the Moroccan market.
The shift in Morocco’s import strategy is largely due to a significant decrease in wheat exports from France. France, historically the largest exporter of soft wheat to Morocco, has announced a 26% reduction in its exports for the 2024-2025 season, with shipments to Morocco dropping from 2.8 million tons to 1.5 million tons.
In response, Morocco has turned to more competitive alternatives, including Russian wheat. Omar Yacoubi, president of FNCL, stated that Russian wheat offers an attractive price-to-quality ratio, making it an appealing choice for Moroccan buyers. In August, Moroccan wheat imports from Russia totaled 1.92 million quintals, compared to just 0.33 million from France.
To ensure stability in its wheat supply, Morocco has pursued a policy of diversification, targeting other markets such as Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic countries. This strategy is part of Morocco’s broader efforts to reduce its dependence on a limited number of suppliers.
With an annual domestic demand of 5 to 5.5 million tons of soft wheat, diversification is key to maintaining a stable supply, especially in light of shifting global harvests and economic uncertainties.
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Source : MSN
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