Ukraine Halts Wheat Exports to Morocco Amid Russian Naval Blockade

"We have stopped the export of wheat and cereals to countries due to the stoppage of maritime traffic and the control imposed by the Russians on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, in addition to the disruption of ship movements, also due to the war. [...] It is difficult today to move the naval fleet, since the Russians will endanger it, commercial exchanges cannot take place," explained the Ukrainian diplomat in an interview with Hespress. In addition, "the humanitarian situation is difficult, and we need to think about storing cereals and wheat. We need humanitarian aid, medicines and food," she added.

According to Oksana Vasilyeva, the resumption of trade relations between Ukraine and Morocco and other countries remains dependent on the cessation of the war and the expulsion of the invaders from Ukrainian lands. She is pleased that Morocco is one of the 5 African countries with which her country has strong economic partnerships. In 2021, the value of Ukraine’s trade with the kingdom amounted to $530 million. "Morocco’s cereal imports from Ukraine account for 12% of its total cereal imports, while its exports to Ukraine focus on natural and chemical fertilizers, cars and fish," said the Ukrainian diplomat.

As for the value of Ukraine’s imports from Morocco, it amounted to $120 million, of which phosphate accounts for 48%, as well as cars, fish and vegetables.