RABAT, MOROCCO — With severe drought severely impacting Morocco’s wheat and barley production, imports are expected to increase significantly in 2024-25, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

Rainfall has been below average since the end of January, causing a slowdown in plant growth and development. Rain in February and March was too late to help the crops in the south, the FAS said.

As a result, wheat and barley yields are expected to fall well below average. Total wheat production is estimated at 2.3 million tonnes, 45% lower than last year while barley production is estimated at 600,000 tonnes, 52% lower than last year.

Imports are expected to increase due to the anticipated decline in production. Wheat imports are estimated at 7.5 million tonnes, a 52% increase from Morocco’s 10-year import average, the FAS said.

Importers are diversifying their sources of wheat in response to instability and payment difficulties with Black Sea suppliers. In 2023-24, 80% of its wheat came from EU countries.