Morocco: France redirects wheat exports after Algerian market closure

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France is turning to Morocco as a key market for its wheat exports following Algeria’s decision to halt imports of French cereals, industry sources say.

The move comes amid lingering political tensions between Paris and Algiers, forcing French producers to seek alternative destinations for millions of tons of wheat.

For decades, Algeria was the primary customer for French soft wheat, importing up to nine million tonnes annually.

The North African nation accounted for a cornerstone of France’s agricultural exports.

However, deliveries have steadily declined since 2020, and French exporters now report that Algeria’s Interprofessional Cereals Office (OAIC) no longer responds to bids, despite compliance with technical requirements.

Algeria has increasingly turned to suppliers from Russia, Ukraine, and other Black Sea countries, attracted by more competitive pricing.

“This shift is a major loss for France, which has historically relied on Algeria as a strategic and reliable market,” said an industry analyst. “It reflects broader strains in diplomatic relations, which have been tense over issues including migration, Western Sahara, and historical memory.”

In response, France is pivoting to Morocco.

For the 2025/2026 campaign, projections suggest 3.5 million tonnes of French soft wheat will be shipped to the kingdom, up from 1.5 million tonnes last year.

If realised, these exports would cover nearly 64% of Morocco’s estimated wheat needs of 5.5 million tonnes.

Moroccan authorities, however, continue to explore alternative sources, including Germany, Poland, Argentina, and Russia, to maintain price competitiveness. Despite this, the existing Franco-Moroccan agricultural ties offer a strong foundation for expanding trade.

“France sees this cooperation as an opportunity to consolidate its regional presence, while Morocco secures vital supplies amid repeated droughts,” said a French trade official.

The wheat rerouting highlights both the fragility and adaptability of Mediterranean agricultural trade, as geopolitical tensions reshape long-standing economic relationships in North Africa.