The National Ports Agency (ANP) publishes its annual report on the performance of Moroccan ports for 2023. This document highlights developments in maritime traffic and the economic dynamics linked to port competitiveness. Between growth in exports, decline in cabotage and contrasting activities depending on the ports, the year reveals major strategic trends.
Moroccan ports occupy a central place in international trade and the national economy. In 2023, overall traffic results show marked variations, reflecting economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. The report from the Port Competitiveness Observatory, developed by the ANP, provides a precise analysis of these dynamics while outlining the major strategic directions to come.
To face these challenges, the ANP has initiated “structural reforms, supported by strategic and sustainable projects”, underlines Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, cited in the report.
This transformation involves the modernization of logistics processes through digitalization and the adoption of advanced technological solutions, by accelerating the energy transition towards green ports as well as by the integration of renewable energies, in particular green hydrogen. This development aims to optimize infrastructure performance and strengthen the competitiveness of ports.
“As true crossroads of economic exchanges, our ports, connected to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, play a central role in Morocco’s influence on the African and international scenes,” adds the minister.
Changing port traffic
In detail, imports passing through ports managed by the ANP recorded a slight increase, reaching 57.3 million tonnes, an increase of 2.1% compared to 2022. This positive development was driven by the increase in volumes of containers (+14.8%), livestock feed (+28.8%) and cereals (+4.1%).
However, significant declines were noted in certain segments, notably coal (-6.2%), sulfuric acid (-38.7%) and ammonia (-16.2%). In terms of value, imports fell by 2.9%, reaching 715.7 billion dirhams, which reflects price variations on international markets.
At the same time, exports stood out for their driving role in Moroccan maritime trade. With a total volume of 28.2 million tonnes, they showed an increase of 4.4%, mainly thanks to the resumption of sales of fertilizers (+20.5%), gypsum (+66%) and clinker (+21.7%). On the other hand, phosphate products, the Kingdom’s flagship sector, suffered a notable decline.
In terms of value, exports reached 429.3 billion dirhams, showing virtual stagnation (+0.2%) compared to the previous year. Cabotage activity, for its part, recorded a marked drop of 28.1%, totaling 2.9 million tonnes. This decline is explained by a significant decrease in hydrocarbon traffic (-31.4%) as well as by the drop in the transport of phosphoric acid between Safi and Jorf Lasfar (-78.7%).
Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar, drivers of maritime traffic
The port of Casablanca experienced sustained growth, particularly in the container segment with a 12.7% increase in traffic (1,200,091 TEU). Imports of cereals (+12.7%) and sugar (+6.9%) also increased, as did livestock feed (+21.3%) and steel products (+17%). However, certain strategic goods, such as phosphate (-14.8%) and coal (-30.7%), recorded a clear decline.
For its part, the port of Jorf Lasfar confirmed its role as an industrial and export platform for fertilizers, recording an increase of 19.2% in shipments of the latter. The import volume of sulfur increased by 11.3%, while imports of scrap metal jumped by 64.8% due to domestic demand and the activity of Riva Industries. However, exports of phosphates fell drastically (-96.1%), as did those of phosphoric acid (-37.4%).
Mohammedia, Nador and Agadir, divergent trends
The port of Mohammedia experienced an overall decline in traffic in 2023, mainly due to the migration of certain flows to other port facilities such as Jorf Lasfar. Fuel oil traffic fell by 69.2%, reaching only 271,000 tonnes, while that of diesel fell by 4.3%.
Furthermore, LPG imports fell by 2.7%, affected by pipeline maintenance. However, increases were observed in bitumen (+6.2%) and jet fuel (+45.3%) traffic. In terms of calls, the port recorded a sharp decline, with 375 ships in 2023, compared to 545 the previous year. The port of Agadir saw its overall traffic improve, in particular thanks to the increase in clinker (+15.2%), cereals (+4.6%) and livestock feed (+30.2%). .
However, container traffic fell sharply (-11.5% in tonnage and -15.9% in units), impacted by the war in Ukraine and changes in logistics chains. Exports of citrus and early fruits also fell by 28.6%, while imports of hydrocarbons remained stable. The activity of the port of Nador was marked by significant declines in imports of coal (-19.2%) and cereals (-9.8%), as well as in TIR activity (-9.5% ).
Conversely, clay exports saw a spectacular increase of 70.2%, mainly thanks to Tunisian demand. Passenger flows have also resumed with an increase of 28.3%, totaling 693,155 travelers in 2023.
Safi and Laâyoune, exports on the rise
The port of Safi Ville recorded a slight drop in its overall traffic (-1%), despite a notable increase in exports of fertilizers (+28.2%) and gypsum (+64.4%). Imports of cereals increased by 30.3%, but those of phosphoric acid and sulfur fell by 24.5% and 23.3% respectively. In terms of calls, the port welcomed 413 ships, an increase of 8.7%.
The port of Laâyoune posted an increase of 14.4% in its overall traffic, reaching 2.1 million tonnes. Phosphate exports increased by 35.9%, while sand exports increased slightly (+2.3%). On the other hand, traffic in fishmeal and hydrocarbons fell by 34.4% and 10.3% respectively.
Nizar Baraka
Minister of Equipment and Water
“Our ambition is to ensure that our ports go beyond the simple function of logistical transit and become real catalysts for economic development, generators of wealth and progress, not only on a national scale, but also across the African continent. Strategic projects, such as the expansion of major ports and support for regional initiatives, will strengthen connections between Africa and major global trade networks, thus consolidating Morocco’s place on the international scene.
Faiza Rhoul / ECO Inspirations
