Positive Outlook for Morocco's Non-Financial Services Sector
According to the latest quarterly business survey conducted by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), Morocco’s non-financial market services sector is anticipated to experience a notable rebound in activity during the second quarter of 2026. The survey indicates that approximately 46% of business leaders are optimistic about overall activity levels increasing between April and June, while only 15% foresee a decline. This positive sentiment is largely attributed to expected enhancements in various sectors such as air transport, warehousing, transport support services, land transport, and accommodation services. However, certain segments, particularly programming, broadcasting activities, and postal and courier services, may dampen the sector’s overall performance.
Business leaders also expressed generally favorable expectations regarding demand for services. The survey revealed that around 49% anticipate demand to remain stable, whereas 40% expect it to increase. Employment projections are similarly optimistic, with 59% of employers indicating that staffing levels are likely to remain unchanged, while 26% foresee an increase in their workforce. This outlook comes on the heels of a less favorable first quarter of 2026, where the HCP reported that 50% of business leaders experienced a decline in activity from January to March, contrasting with the 24% who noted an increase. The downturn was primarily influenced by decreased activity in sectors such as telecommunications and air transport, although warehousing and transport support services, along with water transport, experienced gains during this period.
During the first quarter, the sector's capacity utilization rate averaged 74%, showcasing some operational efficiency despite the challenges faced. Furthermore, order books remained stable, with about 86% of business leaders reporting normal levels of orders. In terms of employment trends, 37% of companies acknowledged an increase in staffing during the first quarter, while 49% reported no change in their workforce. These findings are part of HCP's ongoing quarterly business surveys that track the performance of Morocco's non-financial market services sector and wholesale trade sector.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
