Casablanca – Morocco is solidifying its position as one of the world’s largest grain importers, according to recent analyses by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The country’s reliance on imported cereals, particularly wheat and corn, continues to grow due to a combination of persistent drought, rising domestic consumption, and increasing demand from the livestock sector.

For the 2025–2026 season, Morocco is expected to import 10.5 million tons of wheat, reinforcing its status among the top global wheat importers. The USDA notes that this upward trend reflects the continued erosion of domestic wheat production, affected by successive dry years, alongside steady local demand for bread and processed wheat products. The growing consumption has also underscored the importance of maintaining strategic grain reserves to protect the country from volatility in international markets.

Corn imports are also projected to rise sharply as Morocco seeks to secure feed supplies for its livestock industry. While the USDA report does not specify exact figures for corn imports, it highlights that Morocco is a major contributor to the regional increase, in line with trends across North Africa. The rise in corn demand is closely linked to the expansion of poultry farming, feedlot operations, and compound feed production, making corn a strategic input for sustaining livestock competitiveness in the face of reduced domestic forage availability due to drought.

Barley, another essential cereal for livestock feed, remains a steady import for Morocco. The USDA estimates that Morocco will import approximately 700,000 tons of barley in 2025–2026, highlighting the ongoing pressure on domestic forage production and the sector’s dependence on imported supplies to maintain healthy sheep and livestock herds.

In contrast, rice imports are expected to decline slightly, falling to 2.7 million tons from nearly 4 million tons in previous seasons. This reduction reflects a stabilization of local demand and improved management of supply chains following logistical disruptions experienced during the post-Covid period. Across North Africa, rice imports are projected at around 610,000 tons, pointing to a broader regional decline in consumption.

Despite this partial decline in rice, Morocco’s overall cereal import dependence is rising. Between January and July 2025, the country imported 5.8 million tons of cereals, down from 6.57 million tons during the same period in 2024. However, this overall reduction masks significant differences across products: imports of durum wheat and corn increased, while soft wheat and barley declined.

The USDA report emphasizes that the combination of domestic production challenges and sustained consumption is a key driver behind Morocco’s import growth. Consecutive years of drought have severely impacted local cereal production, while the country’s livestock and human consumption demands continue to expand. This situation underscores the strategic importance of ensuring stable grain imports to meet both human food and animal feed needs.

Morocco’s growing role in global grain markets also reflects broader trends in North Africa, where demand for cereals is increasing sharply. The USDA projects that the region could import between 27 and 32 million tons of wheat, with Morocco accounting for a substantial share. Similarly, regional corn purchases may reach 20.2 million tons, highlighting the importance of the country in meeting North Africa’s feed requirements.

The USDA’s findings illustrate that Morocco’s cereal import strategy is no longer a temporary measure but a structural feature of its food and livestock security policies. By diversifying and expanding its import base, particularly for wheat and corn, Morocco is positioning itself to mitigate the impact of climate-related production fluctuations and ensure consistent supplies for both the domestic market and the livestock sector.

As climate pressures and consumption trends continue to evolve, Morocco’s cereal import patterns are likely to remain a central factor in the country’s food security and agricultural strategy. Ensuring the stability of these imports will be critical not only for meeting local demand but also for maintaining Morocco’s broader role in regional and global cereal markets.