In recent days, the relationship between Spain and Morocco has taken center stage once again, following the illegal crossing of approximately 50,000 individuals at the border between Morocco and Ceuta. This incident has sparked one of the most significant crises in recent years, instilling fear and tension among the Spanish population in Ceuta. Despite this new challenge posed by Morocco, government officials maintain that the neighboring country is a "reliable partner," as expressed by Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Examining the commercial relations between Spain and Morocco reveals that, since the arrival of Pedro Sánchez, both imports and exports with the African nation have seen substantial growth, positioning Morocco as an increasingly vital trade partner.

Specifically, when comparing the first five months of 2018, during Mariano Rajoy's administration, with the same period in 2026, it is evident that both purchases and sales of goods with Morocco have risen significantly. To illustrate this growth, we can refer to official data provided by Datacomex, the portal for foreign trade statistics belonging to Spain and the EU, under the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Business.

Spain's Imports from Morocco Surge by Nearly 60%

Focusing on imports, the first five months of 2018 saw imports valued at €3.037 billion, which increased to €4.851 billion in the same period of 2026. This represents a remarkable increase of 59.73%. Regarding exports, the value of sales in the initial five months of 2018 was €3.596 billion, which has now risen to €5.255 billion in the first five months of 2026, marking a 46% increase. Breaking down these exports and imports by economic sectors, we find that currently, 63% of exports relate to semi-manufactures (€1.284 billion), capital goods (€1.113 billion), and automotive sector products (€902 million). On the import side, Spain primarily purchases capital goods (€1.551 billion), food, beverage, and tobacco products (€1.430 billion), and consumer goods (€782 million) from Morocco.

Spain's Growing Dependence on Morocco

This data clearly indicates that since Pedro Sánchez took office, Spain's dependence on Morocco has intensified. Moreover, it has become apparent that the monetary value of Spain's purchases from Morocco has surged more significantly than the value of what Morocco has purchased from Spain, with the African nation emerging as the primary beneficiary of this "commercial friendship." Regardless of the reasons behind this dynamic, the reality is that Spain continues to strengthen its commercial ties with a partner that routinely leverages immigration as a form of pressure. Furthermore, Morocco's aspirations to annex territories such as Ceuta and Melilla should prompt Spain to reconsider its relationship with the African nation.

As reported by libertaddigital.com.