North Africa wheat import measures

In late July 2026 Morocco extended a 170% customs duty on soft wheat imports until the end of August, citing a delayed domestic harvest caused by labor shortages, outdated equipment and holiday effects. The move aimed to prioritize home‑grown wheat while global markets saw prices surge to three‑year highs due to the Iran‑Ukraine war, Russian grain restrictions and adverse weather in key producing regions.

Around the same time, Tunisia announced that soft‑wheat purchases made after the outbreak of the Middle‑East conflict would cover national needs through July 2026, with hard‑wheat contracts secured for the upcoming harvest. The Tunisian ministry highlighted rising maritime transport costs and insurance premiums linked to the Iran‑Israel‑U.S. hostilities, monitoring international cereal markets to mitigate supply disruptions.

Both countries' actions reflect North African efforts to shield domestic food security from volatile global wheat prices and shipping challenges triggered by the broader Middle‑East conflict.