More than 360 Spanish companies relocate their production to Morocco
More than 360 Spanish companies have moved their production to Morocco, fleeing the policies imposed by the European Union, according to the Moroccan portal Maghreb Online, based on data from the Spanish Institute of Exports and Investments (ICEX).
Of these, around 10% are in the agri-food industry, including several food giants such as Ebro Foods (Brillante, SOS) and Borges (nuts).
ICEX information, initially reported by the Spanish media Vozpópuli in February 2024, indicates that several Spanish companies have delocalised their production while others operate through their subsidiaries or in partnership with Moroccan companies due to the simplification of customs procedures.
EU exporters will ultimately benefit from the elimination of Moroccan customs duties on imports of 70 per cent of agricultural and fisheries products, a measure that will save an estimated 100 million euros in customs duties once implemented, the source says.
"There are more and more Spanish companies showing interest in investing or opening subsidiaries in the Maghreb country," a Spanish source in Morocco close to the business sector told EFE.
Another Spanish company that has decided to expand its production to Morocco is the textile giant Inditex. "This allows us to respond to demand and adapt to new social and environmental standards quickly and efficiently. Proximity is one of the key criteria of our supply chain, which allows us to respond quickly to the market," sources from the Spanish company told the news agency.
The company highlights that a "very significant" part of the factories of cutting, tailoring, dyeing, washing, printing or finishing that make their garments in 2023 are located in Spain or nearby countries such as Portugal, Turkey or Morocco, a country where Inditex guarantees indirect employment to 94,563 people.
Spain is Morocco's largest trading partner, ahead of France and China in terms of exports and imports. Spanish exports to the North African Kingdom reached a record 9.5 billion euros in 2021.
In addition to Spain, other European companies such as Renault (France) and Stellantis (Netherlands) have opted to relocate part of their production to Morocco. Both companies, dedicated to the automotive industry, have established headquarters in the Kingdom.
