Rachid Maboudi
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10:41 – January 12, 2025
Trade between Spain and Morocco reached a new record for the fourth consecutive year, confirming the strength of economic relations between the two countries. According to data published by the Spanish State Secretariat for Commerce, Spanish exports to Morocco amounted to 10.843 billion euros between January and October 2024, recording an increase of 6.8% compared to the same period of the previous year. For their part, imports from Morocco increased by 9.1%, reaching 8.220 billion euros.
This boom contrasts with the slowdown in Spanish foreign trade in other markets, where overall exports grew by only 0.7% and imports fell by 0.4% over the same period. The robustness of trade with Morocco underlines the strategic importance of this partnership, which has intensified in recent years thanks to a diversification of the products exchanged, ranging from agricultural goods to industrial and energy products.
Authorities in both countries attribute this success to policies aimed at simplifying import and export processes, as well as enhanced cooperation to overcome logistical challenges. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the effective opening of commercial customs in Sebta and Melilla. Despite years of negotiations and several pilot tests, Moroccan authorities recently blocked trucks transporting goods, rightly citing “technical problems”thus delaying the resumption of land trade in these areas.
Despite these difficulties, maritime and air trade continue to prosper, supported by key sectors such as automotive, textiles and agri-food. Spanish companies are increasing their investments in Morocco, attracted by opportunities in modern infrastructure and renewable energy. At the same time, Moroccan products, particularly agricultural products, maintain a strong presence on the Spanish market thanks to their recognized quality.
Morocco asserts itself as Spain’s main trading partner in Africa, a position that goes beyond the simple exchange of goods to include close cooperation in strategic areas such as foreign direct investment and sustainable development. Economists from both countries believe that these increasingly interdependent relationships play an essential role in regional economic strengthening.
Morocco
