News
26.10.2009
Morocco to import 219,000 tonnes of EU wheat
Morocco's state grains agency ONICL has approved the import of 219,000 tonnes of European Union soft wheat under a seasonal preferential tariff agreement, it said on Friday. The deadline for bids was October 22 and delivery is due before December 15. The tendered-for wheat will be imported by several trading houses including Gromic, Izda, Casagrains and Kraimi Mohamed, ONICL added in a statement.
Under free trade agreements with the European Union, Morocco can import grains with preferential tariffs. For milling wheat, the potential season volume under the import quota ranges from 400,000 tonnes to 1.06 million tonnes, depending on the size of local production. Morocco's crop was at 10.2 tonnes of cereals during the latest season that ended early in August - the highest in 50 years, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
The EU trade accord also authorises the import of barley, maize, sorghum, and other foodstuffs in smaller but pre-set quantities. ONICL also said it authorised Mars Morocco trading house to import 180 tonnes of rice and Karimi Mohamed to buy from the EU market 1,800 tonnes of maize. Technically, ONICL does not import grains directly in its tenders but awards licences to purchase the commodities.
Reuters
