Today, Morocco is confidently among the leading economic centers in Africa. The country with a population of over 37 million people enjoys a strategically advantageous location at the junction of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, making it a natural trade bridge between the continents. In 2025 , the kingdom's foreign trade turnover exceeded $129 billion, and imports totaled $82.2 billion with exports of $46.9 billion.
According to the rating, Morocco ranks among the top 20 most dynamically developing logistics hubs in the world in terms of connectivity, efficiency and market potential. The country's cargo transportation market, which was estimated at $22.59 billion in 2024, by 2029 This year it will grow to $30.38 billion, demonstrating an average annual growth of 6.11%.
In addition, Morocco has the largest and most modern port infrastructure in North Africa. There are 43 ports in total, of which 14 are open for international trade.
For entrepreneurs who want to enter this promising market or expand their presence, AKTAWA becomes a reliable digital partner. Our B2B platform is designed to help companies find counterparties, analyze market trends, and build sustainable trade chains with Morocco and other countries.
the general picture of Morocco's foreign trade
In 2025 , a steady trade deficit remains due to a faster growth in imports (+8%) compared to exports (+2.8%).
The country's main partners are the European Union and the United States. Morocco works especially closely with Spain and France, for historical and geographical reasons (53.2% of the country's imports and 64.9% of its exports come from the EU). The United States is also a significant partner: cooperation occurred as a result of the signing of the free trade agreement between the two countries on January 1, 2006. The document abolished most of the duties on industrial and agricultural goods, thereby strengthening the economic and political ties of the countries in the region. Despite the fact that the agreement was signed in 2006, almost all mutual duties on goods were completely reset only by 2023.
Such partnerships create great opportunities for companies from different regions of the world: European equipment suppliers, Asian electronics manufacturers and American investors actively interact with the Moroccan market. AKTAWA helps systematize these relationships and makes the search for partners transparent and efficient.
Exports and imports to Morocco are largely influenced by seasonality. Thus, GDP growth in 2024 slowed to ~3.2% due to severe drought. Seasonality also affects the harvest, which is the kingdom's key export commodity. Agriculture accounts for 13% of GDP. However , six dry years in a row have not allowed this sector to be brought out of its problematic state. According to the statement of the Minister of Agriculture Ahmed El Bouari, in 2025 This year, precipitation levels were 53% lower than the average over the past three decades.
It is also worth noting that the second most common problem in the country is unemployment. Its level is about 12-13% and is especially noticeable among the youth and rural population. Water scarcity and climate change pose risks to the agricultural sector, which employs a significant number of citizens.
It is also extremely important that the country has a fairly extensive informal economy, which limits tax revenues and social insurance contributions.
At the moment, the government Morocco invests in renewable energy (solar, wind). This is done in order to reduce dependence on energy imports. Tourism and infrastructure projects ( high-speed railways, port expansion) are actively developing to increase the country's competitiveness.
Priority industries:
- Automotive industry
- Aviation and aerospace industry
- Agro-industrial sector
- Pharmaceuticals
- IT
In addition, growth is projected in the areas of land transport, travel agencies, and engineering.
Moroccan imports - what you need to understand
Imports to Morocco dropped to 7.9 billion dirhams in May from 10.3 billion in April 2026, which is a historic high for the country.
Despite this, Morocco is still a net importer in many categories. Leading positions:
- Crude oil
- Textile fabrics
- Telecommunication equipment
- Wheat
- Gas
- Electric power
- Transistors
- Plastic
The import of goods into the country is regulated by a number of customs duties and regulations. Depending on the type of product and the country of origin, import duties from 2.5% to 40% are applied. Foreign companies wishing to import goods to Morocco must have a local representative or distributor.
The duty rates directly depend on the product category defined by the HS code. The basic VAT rate for imported products is 20%.
At the same time, the state applies increased duties (30% and above) on so-called "protected goods", which include textiles, leather, shoes, some food and bags. Additionally, a parafiscal import tax of 0.25% of the value of the product is charged.
It is important to take into account that the government actively subsidizes the import of socially important goods, such as wheat and gas, which helps to curb price increases and ensure the stability of the domestic market.
AKTAWA provides its users with access to up-to-date data on import flows, helps identify the most promising product groups and find reliable buyers in Morocco.
Exports: drivers of the Moroccan economy
Morocco demonstrates impressive export potential in several key sectors:
- The automotive industry is the absolute leader ($15.4 billion in 2024). Exports include passenger cars, wiring harnesses, cables and accessories. Giants such as Stellantis and Renault work here, which creates demand for subcontractors and component suppliers.
- Phosphates and fertilizers are a strategic resource of the country. Morocco has the largest phosphate reserves in the world. Exports of fertilizers and phosphoric acid totaled $8.7 billion in 2024 and continue to grow.
- Agriculture accounts for about 20% of exports. Vegetables, fruits, olive oil, seafood and canned goods are in steady demand in European and Middle Eastern markets.
- The aviation industry is a dynamically growing niche (+8.3% in 2025). Morocco supplies parts to Airbus and other aircraft manufacturing corporations.
- Textiles and clothing are a traditional sector exporting products to Europe and the USA.
For foreign companies, this means reaching three levels of interaction: firstly, the supply of raw materials and components to Moroccan enterprises; secondly, access to Moroccan products for sale in their markets; and thirdly, participation in investment projects — joint production and logistics chains.
If we talk about exports from For Russia in Morocco, oil products and coal have traditionally dominated the supply structure , although agricultural supplies have also been growing rapidly recently. In 2024, out of $597 million of Russian exports, $324 million accounted for cereals, feed and fertilizers. In these positions, Russia has become the main supplier for Morocco.
TOP 10 commodity positions in Russian supplies to Morocco in 2024:
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1.Agricultural products (grain, oils, oilcakes, etc.) — ~$280 million (~46.9% of Russian exports to Morocco). The increase almost tripled year-on-year due to drought and import subsidies. Grain (wheat) is a key driver.
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2.Fertilizers and mineral products — ~$85 million (14%). Morocco is itself a global player in phosphates, but it imports nitrogen fertilizers and chemical raw materials.
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3.Feed mixes and mixed feed — $52 million (9%). Growth is due to the development of animal husbandry and increased imports of farm feed in Morocco.
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4.Mechanical engineering and equipment — $30 million (5%). The positive trend in the export of spare parts and agricultural machinery is supported by investments in agricultural modernization.
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5.Petroleum products (fuel oil, diesel) remain an important export item, although, according to indirect data, volumes fell by about 6.5%.
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6.Coal
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7.Chemical products (dyes, solvents)
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8.Metals and alloys (in particular, aluminum and products made from it) — stable demand for raw materials for production and construction in Morocco.
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9.Pharmaceuticals are a new direction with dynamic growth against the background of the emergence of Russian pharmaceutical companies on the market.
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10.Light industry (fabrics, clothing) — maintains a small but stable export segment
Morocco's free zones are a strategic tool for exporters
Morocco has created one of the most attractive free economic zone systems in Africa, which have become a key driver of the country's export expansion. These zones are regulated by law 19‑94 free export zones offer unique preferences to foreign investors and exporters.
Key business advantages in Moroccan Free Zones:
- Tax benefits: full exemption from income tax for the first 5 years, followed by a 15-20% rate (instead of the standard 31%)
- Exemption from import and export duties — all goods imported and exported from the zone are not subject to customs duties
- Exemption from VAT on goods and services coming from abroad or from the territory subject to the tax
- Exemption from professional tax for 15 years
- Freedom of currency transactions — the zones are not subject to foreign trade control and currency restrictions
- 100% repatriation of profits
Morocco's key free zones represent a powerful infrastructure for industrial development and international trade:
- Tangier Free Zone — specializes in industry, logistics and services. More than 200 companies on an area of over 300 hectares, 15,000 jobs have been created.
- The Atlantic Free Zone in Kenitra is the largest free zone in Africa (345 ha). It is focused on the automotive industry, electronics and logistics. More than 8,000 employees, among the residents are global auto giants: Sews, Fujikura, Delphi, Hirschman, Lear.
- Midparc in Casablanca is focused on the aviation, defense and space industries. It attracts high-tech and export-oriented industries.
- Tanger Automotive City — despite its name, it is open not only to the automotive sector, but also to any industrial companies, which makes it a universal site for production facilities.
It is important to note that Morocco is one of the few African countries with a free trade agreement with the United States, which makes its free zones even more attractive to American and European investors.
For companies operating through AKTAWA, it means:
1) The opportunity to find partners already located in these zones and take advantage of their benefits in the supply chain
2) Access to manufacturers operating in the "full export" mode — they are focused on international markets, which simplifies cooperation
3) Transparency in working with contractors located in areas that are free from many administrative barriers
how does aktawa help businesses work with Morocco
Our platform offers comprehensive solutions for companies interested in the Moroccan direction.:
1. search for reliable partners
We help you find importers who are interested in purchasing your products, as well as exporters who are ready to offer quality products from Morocco. All companies undergo a preliminary audit, which reduces the risks of unfair cooperation.
2. Analytics and market intelligence
Through AKTAWA, you get access to structured data on import and export flows: which goods are in demand, in what volume, at what prices, and from which suppliers. It helps to make informed commercial decisions.
3. Transaction support
We offer support at all stages — from customer search to logistics and customs clearance. Our partners in Morocco and other countries help with legal and administrative issues.
4. Digital marketing for your business;
Place your products and services in the AKTAWA catalog and attract the attention of Moroccan buyers through our advertising and information tools. We help you to make yourself known in the market without additional costs for participation in exhibitions and business trips.
5. Building long-term relationships
We don't just connect the seller and the buyer on a one—time basis - we create an ecosystem for sustainable cooperation, including tools for correspondence, document exchange, supply monitoring and feedback.
Morocco is not just a country with rich natural resources and a developed industry. It is a gateway to the African continent, an access point to fast-growing markets and a bridge between Europe and Africa. For businesses that are ready to take advantage of these opportunities, the time to act is now.
AKTAWA invites you to become a part of our business community. We offer:
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1.Access to trusted counterparties in Morocco and other countries
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2.Up-to-date commodity market analytics
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3.Tools to promote your business
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4.Professional support at all stages of the transaction
Don't miss the chance to enter one of the most dynamic markets in Africa. Register on AKTAWA, post your suggestions and start working with Moroccan partners today!