In the initial months of 2026, Morocco has successfully expanded its agricultural and food trade surplus with the European Union, according to data released by the European Commission. This development is primarily attributed to a significant decline in EU exports to Morocco, which outpaced the more modest decrease in Moroccan exports to the EU. Specifically, imports of Moroccan agro-food products by the EU reached a total of 800 million euros (approximately $864 million) during January and February, marking a 2% decline from the same period a year prior. In contrast, EU exports to Morocco plummeted by 18%, amounting to 561 million euros, as detailed by the Commission’s agriculture department, DG Agri.
This shift in trade dynamics has resulted in Morocco's trade surplus with the EU expanding to 239 million euros, a notable increase from the 135 million euros recorded during the previous year. The decline in EU exports to Morocco can be largely attributed to reduced shipments of key commodities, including cereals, beef, and soybean oil, as highlighted by DG Agri. On the other hand, Moroccan agro-food exports showed resilience, with imports to the EU slipping only slightly from 819 million euros in early 2025 to the current 800 million euros.
In a related note, two prominent British newspapers, The Telegraph and The Independent, have expressed interest in a proposed underwater link project connecting Morocco and Spain. They suggest that this ambitious venture could become a reality by 2030, especially in light of the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Additionally, the Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies (SNED) is actively involved in this project.
The United Kingdom, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has joined several global powers in voicing strong support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Sahara, viewing it as the most credible and pragmatic approach to resolving the longstanding dispute. The UK has indicated its intention to align its actions with this perspective.
Furthermore, the Efret logistics company has recently introduced a road freight service from the UK to Morocco, a nation recognized for its political stability and business-friendly environment. This initiative highlights Morocco's increasing appeal to new markets, providing opportunities for growth and collaboration. In the previous year, UK exports to Morocco reached an impressive £1.4 billion, underscoring the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Lastly, UN Sahara Envoy Staffan de Mistura is scheduled to visit the Tindouf Camps this weekend, where he will deliver a critical message to the separatist leaders regarding compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which endorses the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. This visit comes in the wake of recent rocket attacks launched by Polisario militants, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
