The automotive industry represents a significant opportunity for the Moroccan economy and is considered strategic in the context of the country’s economic diversification objectives.
The market with the EU is estimated at over €15 billion.
Morocco is now the European Union’s leading trading partner in the automotive sector, with a turnover of over €15.1 billion.
This performance was announced by the Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), relegating China to second place with €13.6 billion.
Although China dominates the market in terms of volume, with almost 782,000 vehicles exported, Morocco stands out in terms of sales, demonstrating a surprising dynamism in this sector.
The rapid development of the Moroccan automotive industry is largely due to the strategic establishment of renowned multinationals, in particular Dacia, a subsidiary of the Renault Group, and the manufacturer Stellantis.
These companies have been able to capitalize on the country’s competitive advantages, namely its skilled workforce and geographical proximity to Europe.
The industrial hubs of Tangier and Kénitra have played a key role in this success, producing popular models such as the Dacia Sandero and Citroën Ami.
Dacia recently revealed that it assembles more vehicles in Morocco than in Romania, although Romanian production has a higher added value despite its lower volume. This reflects the fact that Morocco’s manufacturing capacity continues to grow.
The Moroccan government has high ambitions for the future of its automotive industry. By 2025, the authorities aim to produce one million cars a year, a target that could make the country a major player on the international market. Morocco currently has a production capacity of 700,000 units per year, supported by a network of more than 230 local suppliers and the creation of 220,000 jobs in the sector.
Between 2020 and 2023, Morocco’s automotive production is set to increase by 63%. This figure reflects not only the industry’s resilience in the face of global economic challenges, but also its potential to become a leader in Africa, positioning Morocco just behind South Africa.
MN/sf/te/lb/GIK/APA