Essential products to import from Morocco?

Morocco has always been a destination of choice for foreigners worldwide being a host country for a large international community. The country, is highly appreciated for its openness, cultural diversity and amazing landscapes. Economically, Morocco is growing in significance as a regional economy, well positioned as a the most competitive country in North Africa* gateway to Africa and as a stepping stone to Europe.

According to data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Moroccan exports recorded an increase of 24.3%, to 326 billion DH in 2021. Moroccan Economy and exports have shown a fast growth with strong performance in all main sectors: the automobile industry improved its exports by 15% to 83.3 billion DH, while phosphate and derivatives saw its exports increase by 57% to 79.9 billion DH in the international market. In addition, agri-food exports increased by 9% to 68.4 billion DH, due to the increase in demand.

The kingdom of Morocco has invested strongly in its economy to create a competitive market that will allow importers to benefit from several advantages. Several FTAs have been signed giving access to more than 50 countries and attractive incentive packages provided by the government to enhance industries’ capabilities & price points.
 

We will focus here on essential products that can be imported from Morocco, from fruits and vegetables to beauty products, processed foods, fertilizers, etc.

 

  1. Fruits & vegetables

Morocco is a strong exporter of fruits and vegetables. It is the 1st world producer of mint and carobs, 3rd producer of green beans, figs and olives, 4th producer of tangerines, mandarins and clementines, 5th producer of quinces, 6th producer of almonds, 9th producer of anise, star anise, fennel and coriander Morocco is also among the world's largest exporters of green beans, citrus fruits, tangerines, mandarins and clementines, canned olives, tomatoes, strawberries and olive oil, peppers, melons.

 

  1. Fish

Morocco is Africa's largest producer and exporter of frozen fish. In 2021, Moroccan seafood exports reached 778 thousand tons, valued at $2.5 billion. Most on demand products being canned sardines, frozen cephalopods, frozen octopus and frozen squid.
 

  1. Spices

The Moroccan local products sector is listing more than 200 local products and offers a significant annual production potential which exceeds two million tons and which is capable of generating a turnover of more than 14 billion DH per year. Among them, spices for which Morocco is well-known for its and the kingdom mainly grows saffron in the south, sweet peppers, most of whose national production comes from the Beni Mellal region, and coriander seeds, produced in various regions.

 

  1. Fertilizers

Morocco holds 75% of phosphate reserves, a mineral used in fertilizers. The kingdom made the choice several decades ago to become one of the largest fertilizer producers in the world, and its exports are up to 79.9 billion DH in 2021. 

Moroccan Fertilizers producers export all over the world with main markets being: European Union, United States, Brazil & India.

 

  1. Wine

Morocco is one of the cradles of the last wild vines. For more than four decades, the Moroccan vineyard has been gaining more and more value. To produce Moroccan Wine, most of the vineyards are concentrated in the regions of El Hajeb, Khémisset, Meknes, Gharb and Moulouya which hold more than 88% of the total area. With more than 408 000 Hectoliters yearly production, Moroccan wine industry has strong export potential.

 

  1. Processed food 

With a strong agriculture production, Morocco has shown a notable growth in its processed food production and exportation in several key sectors : processed fruits & vegetables, dairy industry, Pasta & couscous industry, biscuits, confectionery & chocolate industry, olive oil industry, processed meat industry …

Morocco is the 4th worldwide exporter of canned vegetables and a mixture of vegetables, 5th worldwide exporter of frozen strawberry, as well as 7th worldwide exporter of canned apricots. The kingdom’s exports of Pasta & Couscous increased by 93% to the Middle East the last 2 years and it is one of the main suppliers of dairy products in West Africa.

 

  1. Baby food

The baby food market is projected to register a CAGR of 3.67% during the forecast period (2022-2027). In infant nutrition, parents demand the highest safety and quality standards. Key players in the market constantly reform products to make them more appealing to both parents and infants and the market is segmented into milk formula, dried baby food, ready-to-feed baby food, and other types. With a Halal baby food offer, Moroccan baby food producer Agrofood with both brands Vitameal Bay & Pharmameal Baby has developed a niche segment helping export its products to 25 countries which represents 90% of its turnover.
 

  1. Textile & leather

The Moroccan textile industry has an anchored historical know-how and is considered as a flagship of the Moroccan industry because of its maturity and presence of key international players. This industry contributes to 12% of Moroccan exports with more than 1200 companies and an overall export turnover of 3.6 Bn$ and covers diversified activities: Knit & Woven, Denim, Technical textile, Home textile, Accessories, Tannery, leather clothes and leather shoes... 

 

  1. Cleaning products

The household cleaning products industry is a fast-growing industry. According to a report conducted by Global Industry Analysts, the global household cleaning products market is predicted to grow by $20.2 billion US dollars, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% by the year 2025. The household cleaning products industry consists of several sub-markets such as laundry detergent, laundry care, household cleaners, dishwashing detergent, and cleaning tools, and Morocco has shown a string competitive performance in the field with several Moroccan producers and exporters such as Lesieur Cristal & Mutandis.
 

  1. Beauty ingredients & finished goods

Moroccan beauty secrets have been used by cosmetic brands all over the world and its ingredients are used in several key composition to enhance their performance: the precious argan oil, the ghassoul, the stone of alum, the rose water, the seed of nigella, the prickly pear oil … 

In the past few years, Moroccan Brands have also been growing and exporting finished goods as a respond for an organic and eco-friendly demand in beauty products.