Unlike in 2016 when only 2.7 million tons of wheat and 600,000 tons of barley were harvested mainly due to poor and erratic rains, prospects for the 2017 harvest look very promising, says FAO in its latest review. Morocco’s wheat imports increased in 2016/17 owing to limited domestic production but expected to decrease in 2017/18, says the analysis. The North African country’s cereal imports in 2016/17 (July/June) are forecast at 9.1 million tons, 23 percent up on 2015/16, of which wheat imports account for about 5 million tons. In May 2017, Morocco announced the increase of the import duty on “soft” wheat from 30 percent to 135 percent. The customs duty will become effective upon publication in the official gazette and will last until 31 December 2017.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 11, 2017 15:56 UTC