For 12 months, 514 thousand tons of grain were shipped from the stations of the West Siberian Railway to several countries including Morocco, which is almost nine times more than during the same period last year.
Morocco has become a major buyer of Russia’s West Siberian Railway (WSR) grain exports in 2024, with shipments reaching 514,000 tonnes, almost nine times 2023 volumes, according to African Initiative .
In recent years, WSR has experienced significant growth in the overall volume of its merchandise shipments, and in particular Russian grain exports. Daily grain transportation reached new records in 2024, with 302 railcars shipped in just 24 hours, breaking the previous record set in 2021.
This record growth reflects the WSR’s logistical efficiency and its ability to meet the growing demand for grain transportation. This record also reflects Russia’s strategic commitment to strengthening agricultural trade with countries in North Africa and the Middle East.
Morocco, one of the largest grain importers in North Africa, now plays a vital role in the region’s food supply chain. As the global grain market faces increasing uncertainties due to political tensions, climate change and fluctuating production levels, Morocco’s decision to diversify its grain supply sources has proven wise. Russian grains have become an important pillar in meeting Morocco’s growing demand for food security, with shipments of wheat and other grains helping to stabilize the market.
Eduard Zernin, president of the Union of Grain Exporters, recently highlighted the growing importance of Morocco as a priority market for Russian wheat exports. Since the start of the 2024-2025 campaign, Russia has shipped more than 650,000 tonnes of wheat to Morocco, a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
Morocco is now one of the top ten global buyers of wheat, thus consolidating its role as a major player in the international cereal market. This is a turning point in Russia’s trade relations with Morocco, reflecting the growing diversification of its agricultural exports to the region.
Strong demand for Russian wheat in Morocco from July to October 2024 has positioned the kingdom as one of the largest buyers of Russian grain in North Africa.
Zernin stressed that the Middle East and North Africa, with Morocco leading the way, are now crucial markets for Russian grain exports, showing Russia’s focus on strengthening its economic presence in these regions. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years as Morocco continues to strengthen its grain import infrastructure and meet its food security needs.
The increase in Russian grain exports to Morocco is part of a broader strategic effort by Russia to deepen its trade relations with African and Arab countries, particularly in the face of economic sanctions and restrictions imposed by Western countries.
Russia’s growing trade ties with these regions are an integral part of its long-term strategy to diversify its export markets and reduce its dependence on European trade. By positioning itself as a reliable supplier of cereals and other agricultural products, Russia intends to ensure a stable supply of food to its international partners while strengthening its geopolitical influence in Africa and the Middle East.
MKte/APA
