Faced with rising food prices and the impact of drought on agricultural production, Morocco has decided to temporarily suspend taxes on rice imports for the year 2025.
This measure, included in the 2025 Finance Law, aims to strengthen the supply of essential products and relieve the purchasing power of households. With a quota of 55,000 tonnes of cargo rice authorized for import without customs duties or VAT, this initiative raises questions about its potential impact on food security and price stability.
Rice, an element in a diversification strategy
Morocco, faced with agricultural challenges increased by water stress, is seeking to diversify the sources of its food supply. If rice is a food well known to Moroccan consumers, its role in the balance of food markets could be strengthened by this measure. Produced in regions less affected by drought, particularly in Asia, rice represents a complementary option to local cereals. However, it would be hasty to conclude that this suspension of taxes will immediately reduce the pressure on other products such as durum wheat or barley, which are also on the rise.
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Measures to stabilize food prices
The exemption from taxes on rice is part of an overall policy to alleviate tensions on food prices. In addition to rice, the Moroccan government has adopted similar measures for other essential products, including red meats, live animals and olive oil. These exemptions, accompanied by specific quotas, aim to stabilize prices while guaranteeing sufficient supply to meet domestic demand. For example, 150,000 cattle and 700,000 sheep can be imported without customs duties, according to the provisions of the 2025 Finance Law.
Responding to the challenges of drought and inflation
The persistent drought, which has seriously affected cereal crops and livestock in Morocco, remains a major obstacle to food security. In response, the government is banking on strategic imports to fill local deficits. However, these measures, although essential in the short term, do not resolve the structural causes of the crisis. High prices of agricultural inputs and dependence on international markets continue to weaken the national economy.
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Rice, in this context, could play a broader role, by reducing dependence on certain products sensitive to climatic hazards. However, its impact on overall food security remains to be assessed, particularly in terms of cost for households and market balance.
Towards food sustainability?
While these measures offer temporary respite, they highlight the importance of a long-term vision to build food resilience. Morocco will need to intensify its efforts to better manage its water resources and diversify its agricultural production. Desalination projects, such as the station planned in Rabat in partnership with Veolia, or investments in crops adapted to the local climate, are promising avenues.
The exemption from rice taxes for 2025 is an immediate response to a critical situation, but it also invites reflection on structural solutions. Diversifying supply sources while strengthening national production appears to be a dual necessity to ensure sustainable food security.
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A temporary measure with still uncertain effects
The exemption from taxes on rice illustrates a desire to adapt to economic challenges and offer respite from soaring food prices. However, its long-term impact on food security and affordability remains uncertain. Morocco finds itself at a strategic crossroads, where immediate actions must be combined with profound reforms to build a resilient and sustainable food system.
