• Morocco opens probe into rice imports after sharp surge
• Imports rose over 100% as drought slashed domestic production
• Authorities may impose duties or quotas to protect local industry

Morocco's rice industry is sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in imports that is undermining sales of locally produced rice. In response, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce opened a safeguard investigation on April 13, according to a notification to the World Trade Organization.

Under WTO rules, the investigation will determine whether increased imports are causing or threatening to cause serious injury to a domestic industry. If that injury is established, Morocco could impose safeguard measures, such as additional customs duties or quotas, to temporarily protect its industry.

The probe covers white rice and parboiled rice, excluding aromatic varieties such as basmati. Importers, exporters and other interested parties have until mid-May 2026 to submit their observations to the relevant authorities.

According to local media reports, the investigation follows a complaint filed by Moroccan rice processors, who say foreign competition has intensified to unsustainable levels. Official data show that rice imports into Morocco climbed from 54,980 tonnes in 2022 to 118,843 tonnes in 2025, a 116% increase in three years.

Imports surge amid weak domestic output

Morocco's rice sector has been hit by a seven-year drought cycle that ended in early 2026. According to L’Economiste maghrébin, rice cultivation, which typically covers between 8,000 and 9,000 hectares, plunged by nearly 85% during the 2023/2024 agricultural season due to insufficient rainfall, leading to a collapse in domestic output. FAO data show that Morocco's rice harvest fell 90.85% over five years, dropping from 65,700 tonnes in 2020 to 6,006 tonnes in 2024.

The safeguard investigation comes as scrutiny intensifies over a sensitive agricultural sector and could last up to nine months, or 12 months if extended. The stakes are high given that Morocco is anticipating one of its best cereal harvests in 2025/2026, supported by improved weather conditions.

Although rice production remains limited in Morocco, it is considered critical to food sovereignty in the face of volatile international markets and dependence on imports. The sector also contributes to socioeconomic development by providing income for 2,500 farmers and generating approximately 1.5 million working days annually.

Stéphanas Assocle