Between January and July 2026, Moroccan purchases of Argentine corn reached 1,55 million tonnes, marking a 133 % increase compared to the same period in 2025 according to data from the Argentine statistical institute INDEC reported by Reuters. This sharp acceleration places Morocco at the forefront of rising import volumes among North African buyers, reshaping Mediterranean grain trade flows amid ongoing supply pressures from Ukraine and Brazil.
North African Import Trends and Regional Growth
Across the wider North African region, Argentine corn shipments grew by 45 % over the first seven months of the year, totaling 6,5 millions de tonnes. This regional growth rate outpaced the 15 % increase recorded across all Argentine corn exports during the same timeframe. Egypt and Algeria also increased their intake, with purchases for both countries rising to 2,4 millions de tonnes—representing a 48 % increase for Egypt and a 10 % increase for Algeria, according to INDEC data reported by Reuters.
This regional demand comes as Argentina’s total corn production for the 2025/2026 campaign is estimated at 71,7 millions de tonnes. That figure represents nearly a 20 % increase over the previous record set five years prior. Gustavo Idigoras, president of the Argentine chamber of grain and oilseed exporters CIARA-CEC, told Reuters that Argentine corn is currently very competitive in both price and volume.
Did You Know?
Between January and July 2026, shipments from Argentina to Morocco surged by 133 % to reach 1,55 million tonnes, outpacing the growth rates seen in neighboring Egypt and Algeria.
Disruption of Ukrainian Supplies and Brazilian Market Shifts
The rise in South American shipments coincides with severe disruptions in traditional global corn trade routes. Historically, Ukraine supplied a significant share of Mediterranean grain imports, but intensified Russian attacks against export infrastructure in the Odessa region have curtailed shipments from Black Sea ports. Alternative Ukrainian export channels, such as the Danube route, have simultaneously faced constraints due to low water levels.
At the same time, shifting dynamics in Brazil have reduced that country’s export availability. As the world’s second-largest corn exporter, Brazil has increased domestic consumption to supply a growing ethanol industry. USDA data cited by Reuters indicates that Brazilian corn consumption rose 7,1 % during the 2025/2026 campaign to reach 98 million tonnes. Consequently, Brazilian exports declined by nearly 20 % compared to the record 53 million tonnes reached over the preceding three years.
Expert Insight:
The convergence of constrained Black Sea logistics and growing domestic bio-fuel demand in Brazil has created a structural opening for Argentine exporters to capture significant market share across Mediterranean importing nations.
Outlook for Argentine Exports and Moroccan Feed Industries
Capitalizing on these gaps, Buenos Aires could export nearly 10 million tonnes of corn during August and September 2026, marking a record level compared to the typical 3 million tonnes usually exported over those two months, according to CIARA-CEC. For Morocco, this shift in import origins provides vital raw material for animal feed production, particularly within intensive livestock and poultry sectors.
The bond of 133 % des arrivages argentins ne signifie donc pas nécessairement que la consommation marocaine de maïs a progressé dans les mêmes proportions. Moving forward, the availability and final cost of imported corn in Morocco will remain tied not only to global harvests, but also to maritime freight rates, exchange rates, and the physical export capacity of major producer nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much corn did Morocco import from Argentina in 2026?
Moroccan purchases reached 1,55 million tonnes between January and July 2026, representing a 133 % increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Why are traditional suppliers like Ukraine and Brazil exporting less?
Ukrainian exports are hampered by attacks on Odessa region infrastructure and low water levels on alternative Danube routes, while Brazil is consuming more of its crop domestically for ethanol production.
What is the estimated size of Argentina’s corn harvest for the 2025/2026 campaign?
Argentina’s production is estimated at 71,7 millions de tonnes, which is nearly 20 % higher than its previous record set five years prior.
How do shifts in international shipping and foreign exchange rates influence the final landed cost of cereal imports for local agricultural sectors?
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