The government has started an investigation as rising imports strain domestic rice production ahead of the planting season.

MOROCCO – Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has opened a safeguard investigation into rice imports after two local companies filed a complaint.

The probe, which began on April 13, covers both white and brown rice and comes at a key moment for farmers preparing for the next planting season.

The ministry said the two companies account for about 78 percent of national rice production. This gives them the legal right to request the investigation under trade rules.

The move follows a sharp rise in imports over the past few years. Morocco imported 54,980 tons of rice in 2022. By 2025, that figure had reached 118,843 tons, marking an increase of 116 percent.

During the same period, imports grew far beyond local output, with their share rising from 139.73 percent to more than 807 percent of domestic production.

Officials linked this trend to changes in the global market. Higher supply and fewer export limits from major producers have pushed more rice into Morocco. As a result, local producers now face stronger competition, especially from suppliers in Egypt and India.

Industry players say the impact has already been felt. Farmers reported losses over the past two years, with a large share of the 2025 harvest left unsold. Imported rice has entered the market at prices that local producers struggle to match.

Recent rainfall has improved water levels, which farmers need for rice cultivation. This has raised hopes for a better season after years of drought that forced many to cut back or stop production. Still, the timing of the probe remains critical, as planting usually starts at the end of May.

The ministry has begun gathering input from all sides. It will engage local producers, importers, and foreign exporters as part of the process. Each group has 30 days from the start of the investigation to submit data, share views, or request hearings.

The probe will run for up to nine months, with a possible extension to 12 months if needed. The outcome may shape how Morocco manages rice imports and supports its local farming sector in the coming season.

Published Date: April 29, 2026