Exporting to Morocco

Morocco, a competitive trading partner with a productive and diversified economy

Morocco is, due to its geographical proximity, a natural trading partner for the European market. With more than 37 million inhabitants, it has a dual economy that combines more traditional sectors such as agriculture with other high-growth sectors such as the automotive industry, renewable energies and textiles.

The Moroccan market

It is the country with the highest economic growth in the Maghreb and maintains close alliances with Western countries and the Middle East. Many of the relocations of the European textile or pharmaceutical industries have taken place in Morocco, where we can find a multitude of production centres of large European companies. Spain is, along withFrancia y China, el mayor exportador a Marruecos.

Key aspects for export

A neighbouring country with great projection

Morocco’s economic structure has some notable peculiarities. On the one hand, there is a high dependence on the agricultural sector, which accounts for a large share of the country’s GDP. Secondly, natural energy resources are limited, which leads to a high dependence on foreign energy. We also highlight the progressive industrialisation, especially in the textile and automotive sectors, partly encouraged by relocation from nearby countries.

Morocco has a young population and its middle class has been growing in recent years, increasing the country’s per capita income. At the same time, the construction of infrastructures and private housing has experienced a remarkable development, generating business opportunities in products such as bathroom furniture, kitchens, construction materials and decoration products.

Morocco has had a high level of growth in recent decades and in recent years ambitious plans are being developed with the aim of promoting a productive and diversified economy based on human capital.

Morocco’s trade balance

Traditionally, Morocco has had a negative trade balance, with imports of goods and services exceeding its exports due to a high dependence on the European market, energy supplies from abroad and little diversification of exports, which are concentrated in agricultural products, fisheries and phosphates.

In recent years, economic policies have been geared towards greater balance with large public investments in infrastructure, health and education. In addition, automotive and textile exports have grown, and there has been an increase in the number of exports.contracción de las importaciones.

The Moroccan business personality

The mixture of Arab and French cultures has given Morocco a business culture that is as rich as it is complex. Here are some of the aspects we consider most relevant:

Hierarchies are marked and people in high positions have the power of decision. People of high social class tend to be discreet.
The official languages of Morocco are Arabic and Amazigh, although the language of international business is usually French. Spanish is widely spoken in the north and south of the country.
Making a good first impression is important to establish a relationship of trust. Meetings usually start with conversations related to family and personal matters.
Punctuality is generally less demanding than in European countries.
Business attire is formal, business suits for men and loose-fitting dress for women. There are no specific rules about business cards; they should be received with respect.
Bargaining in negotiations is common; negotiating skills and patience will be important. They do not usually give a straight ‘no’ and we must be able to interpret the signals they send us to avoid wasting time.
Gastronomy can be integrated into business and meetings around the table are often an effective way of building relationships. It is common to share dishes and we recommend using the right hand to eat.
Be mindful of the month of Ramadan, schedules can change and you should be respectful, especially at meal times.
Bureaucracy can slow down operations and customs detentions are common. It is advisable to ask for payment in advance for the first operations and demand draft credit and not to use the formula against delivery of documents.documentos.

related services

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Interested in this market? Contact us

At Barcelona Export we are experts in international trade, specialists in French-speaking markets and experts in the Moroccan market. If you want to export to Morocco, please contact us for information and advice.