Morocco extends 170% soft wheat import duty through August 2026
Morocco has extended its 170% import duty on foreign soft wheat and derivatives until 31 August 2026. The measure gives domestic producers another month to sell the improved harvest before duty suspension resumes on 1 September.
Protection extended for the domestic selling season
Morocco has extended its exceptional 170% import duty on foreign soft wheat and its derivatives until 31 August 2026, according to Afrik.com. Decree No. 2.26.583, published in the Official Bulletin on 27 July, moves the measure’s expiry from 31 July to the end of August. The government plans to restore the suspension of customs duties on this product category from 1 September, allowing operators to resume purchases abroad under more favorable tariff conditions.
The extension is intended to give Moroccan farmers additional time to market the domestic crop. By making imported wheat substantially more expensive during August, the authorities are encouraging flour mills and grain storage organizations to source from local producers during the collection period. The policy applies not only to soft wheat but also to its derivatives, widening its immediate effect across the milling supply chain.
Slow crop sales prompt additional support
Afrik.com reported that commercialization of the harvest has proceeded more slowly than expected. The authorities have therefore also extended the soft wheat collection period. Storage organizations will continue to receive a warehousing premium of 2.50 Moroccan dirhams per quintal for each two-week period until 31 August when they buy grain from domestic producers. The combination of tariff protection and storage support is designed to prevent farmers from facing premature import competition while more of the crop remains to be sold.
The 170% duty has been applied since 1 June 2026 and reflects an improved 2025-2026 cereal campaign compared with the previous season. Morocco’s grain output had been weakened for several years by unfavorable weather, including drought. National production remains highly sensitive to climatic conditions, making periodic changes to import policy a central tool for balancing farm support with reliable supplies for consumers and processors.
September reopening will shift attention to imports
The current policy represents a temporary reversal of the framework introduced in November 2021, when Morocco suspended customs duties on imported soft wheat to facilitate domestic supply amid drought and falling cereal production. The improved harvest has allowed the government to protect local sales during the 2026 collection period, but the scheduled return to duty suspension shows that import access remains important to the country’s food system.
Soft wheat is one of Morocco’s principal cereals and is used to produce flour for bread, a staple food. The duty extension raises the near-term incentive for mills and storage operators to secure domestic grain, while the reopening planned for September will again make international sourcing more competitive. Producers have one additional month to place their crop, and importers must prepare for a sharp change in border costs once the temporary protection ends.
