Morocco has notably increased its imports of Russian wheat this December, a move that reflects the country’s effort to bolster its stock of essential grains amid ongoing climate pressures and declining local production.
Elena Tyurina, the Director of Analysis at the Russian Grain Union, stated in an interview with Interfax that Morocco’s wheat imports from Russia have surged by approximately 2.7 times during the period from December 1 to 20 compared to the same timeframe last year, coinciding with a rising trend in Russian grain exports this month.
This development comes as Russia’s total grain exports reached over 3.389 million tons during the same period, marking a 15 percent annual increase. This indicates a significant activity in the global grain market despite logistical challenges and price fluctuations.
According to the same data, the increase in wheat shipments to Morocco falls within the broader expansion of Russian exports to several markets, with grains and legumes being shipped from 20 Russian ports during the first twenty days of December, compared to 31 ports in the same period last year.
Regarding pricing, Tyurina noted that the price of Russian wheat stabilized at $228 per ton, while fourth-grade wheat saw a decline of 0.9 percent, reaching 13,347 rubles per ton, equivalent to a drop of around 4 percent in dollars, settling at $168.3 per ton. These price levels are attractive to importing markets, including Morocco.
The rise in Morocco’s imports of Russian wheat occurs within a domestic context marked by lower grain production due to consecutive years of drought, prompting authorities to intensify reliance on international markets to secure national consumption needs, especially as wheat is a crucial component of the country’s food security.
Observers believe that diversifying supply sources, including the Russian market, is part of a precautionary policy aimed at ensuring supply stability and controlling import costs amid global market fluctuations and rising demand for grains.
