Morocco to Resume Subsidized Wheat Imports From Mid-September

Morocco is set to resume soft wheat imports beginning September 16, reintroducing a subsidy program to manage costs after a temporary pause to support its local harvest. The announcement was made in a notice published by the country's state grains office, ONICL.

Subsidy Program Details

The North African nation will offer subsidies for imported soft wheat for the period from September 16 through December 31, according to the ONICL notice. This measure is designed to bridge the gap between a government-set reference price and the actual cost of imported grain.

The subsidy will cover the difference between a reference price of 270 dirhams per quintal ($291.52 per metric ton) and the cost and freight (C&F) price of imports. The import cost will be calculated based on market prices for wheat from France, Germany, Argentina, and the United States.

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Market Context

Morocco, a significant player in the global grain market, had suspended wheat imports in June to focus on absorbing its domestic production. The local harvest in 2026 saw a recovery following several years of drought, prompting the temporary protectionist measure.

The decision to reopen imports is a key development for international suppliers, particularly from the European Union. Morocco represents the largest export market for EU wheat, and the resumption of subsidized purchases is expected to support trade flows into the region.