The relationship between Spain and Morocco remains one of relative tension, as the North African nation continues to promote the occupation of Ceuta and Melilla. Meanwhile, the Spanish government minimizes or outright denies any issues with Morocco, repeatedly asserting that the country led by King Mohammed VI is a "reliable partner." However, it is evident that Morocco is indeed a significant trading partner for Spain, with a striking statistic revealing that **one in five of Morocco's exports goes to Spain.**
According to data provided by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), in 2024, **19% of Morocco's exports were directed to Spain, amounting to a value of $12 billion.** France follows as the second-largest destination for Moroccan exports, accounting for 15.8% of the total, valued at $10 billion.
One in Five Moroccan Exports is Bound for Spain
Among the top products exported to Spain are those related to **"electric and electronic machinery,"** non-woven clothing accessories, as well as vehicles, tractors, trucks, and their components. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are significant contributors to this trade.
When comparing this data to 2019, which marked the first full year of Pedro Sánchez's tenure as Prime Minister of Spain, it becomes evident that these exports have surged by 50%. In 2019, the value of Moroccan exports to Spain was $8 billion, while exports to France amounted to $7.19 billion. This indicates that the gap between Spain and France has widened since then.
Exports to Spain Have Increased by 50% Since 2019
Another noteworthy point is that the European Union is the region with the most substantial trade relations with Morocco. According to the World Trade Organization, in 2024, 53.2% of the products purchased by Morocco originated from the EU, while **65% of all Moroccan exports were directed to the European Union.**
On the import side, Morocco has seen a significant increase in products imported from Spain, with the monetary value rising from $8.97 billion in 2019 to $14.5 billion in 2024, marking a remarkable increase of 61.65%. In contrast, imports from France grew from $5.91 billion in 2019 to $9.42 billion in 2024.
The primary products that Morocco imports from Spain include **"mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products for their distillation,"** vehicles, tractors, trucks, and their parts, as well as machinery, mechanical devices, and spare parts, along with electrical and electronic machinery. This highlights Spain's status as Morocco's top trading partner globally, being the foremost country for both imports and exports. Notably, this commercial relationship has expanded since Pedro Sánchez assumed power, making it all the more intriguing that Morocco continues to systematically challenge its largest trading partner, which is crucial for a substantial portion of its exports. Conversely, **exports from Spain to Morocco only account for 3.66% of the total products sold outside its borders.**
As reported by libertaddigital.com.
