Morocco Opens Probe Into Rice Imports as Surge Pressures Local Producers

The timing of the investigation is critical, as farmers prepare for planting at the end of May with cautious optimism after recent rains.

Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched a safeguard investigation into rice imports following a complaint filed by two local companies. The probe covers both white and brown rice and officially began on April 13.

According to the ministry, the two complainants represent about 78% of national production, giving them the legal standing to request the investigation.

The move comes after a sharp increase in rice imports in recent years. Imports rose from 54,980 tons in 2022 to 118,843 tons in 2025, an increase of 116%. The share of imports compared to domestic production jumped from 139.73% to more than 807% during the same period.

The ministry said this surge, combined with global market changes, has intensified pressure on local producers. These changes include excess supply in international markets and the easing of export restrictions by major rice-producing countries, which redirected larger quantities toward Morocco.

Local producers say the impact has already been significant. Mohamed El Arabi Ghazouani, a company director involved in the complaint, said farmers have suffered losses over the past two years. He explained to SNRT News that much of the 2025 harvest could not be sold because of competition from imported rice, especially from Egypt and India.

Ghazouani noted that farmers had hoped to expand rice cultivation after recent rainfall improved water availability. Rice farming requires large amounts of water, and years of drought had previously reduced planted areas or stopped production in some regions.

He added that the timing of the investigation is critical, as farmers prepare for the new agricultural season. Planting usually begins at the end of May, and recent rains have created cautious optimism within the sector.

The ministry will contact local producers, importers, and foreign exporters to gather more information as part of the process. All concerned parties have 30 days from the start of the investigation to submit data, comments, or request hearings.

The investigation is expected to last up to nine months, with a possible extension to 12 months if needed.