Rice: Morocco attacks at the WTO

On April 13, 2026, Morocco initiated a safeguard investigation procedure on rice imports, in accordance with Article 12:1 a) of the Agreement on Safeguards. The product covered by this process includes varieties intended for direct human consumption competing with the local market, specifically white rice and parboiled rice. Aromatic rices, such as basmati, are excluded from this procedure.

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This decision follows a request filed by the companies MLAH MECHICH ALAMI and MUNDIRIZ, acting on behalf of the domestic industry. The data provided by these companies show a spectacular increase in import volumes between 2022 and 2025. The figures show a 52% increase in imports in 2023 compared to the previous year, followed by a further 34% increase in 2025 compared to 2024.

According to the file elements, this massive and sudden influx of foreign rice on the Moroccan market, described as an unforeseen development, would cause serious injury to the local industry. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in charge of the file through its Commercial Defense Directorate, is seeking to assess whether this increase directly threatens the viability of domestic production.

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A period of thirty days, running from April 13, 2026, has been granted to importers, exporters and other stakeholders to officially declare themselves and submit their observations to the Ministry. The economic actors concerned also have the possibility to submit written and reasoned requests for hearings to defend their interests throughout the investigation process.