Metallic Minerals: European Imports from Morocco Surge by 110%
European Purchases of Moroccan Metal Ores Exceed €281 Million
Imports of metal ores and metal waste from Morocco have seen a significant rise in the European Union during the first eight months of 2026. According to Eurostat data updated on October 16, their value reached €281.22 million, approximately 3.04 billion dirhams, marking an increase of 110.59% year-on-year. This trend stands in stark contrast to a much more moderate rise in the volumes imported.
The imports from Morocco in the category of metal ores and metal waste recorded notable growth between January and August 2026. Their value surged to €281.22 million, compared to €133.54 million during the same period in 2025.
This development represents an increase of €147.68 million over the year—an impressive growth of 110.59%. European purchases more than doubled in value, illustrating a marked increase in exchanges within this category of mining and metal products.
However, the data released by Eurostat reveal a discrepancy between the evolution of import values and that of their volumes. While the amounts surged by over 110%, the imported volumes increased by only 14.23% during the observed period.
This gap indicates a significant rise in the average value of traded goods. It may be attributed to fluctuations in metal prices, changes in the composition of imported products, or a higher proportion of high-value goods.
An Increase in Average Goods Value of Approximately 84%
The comparison between the increase in import values and that of volumes highlights a significant change in the average declared value per unit weight.
In the first eight months of 2026, the value of European purchases multiplied by 2.11, while the weight of imported goods increased by 14.23%. Based on these trends, the average value per unit weight would have risen by approximately 84.36%.
This increase does not necessarily imply that the prices of each imported ore or metal have risen proportionately. The aggregated statistics encompass several product categories, each with varying characteristics and values.
The classification used by Eurostat corresponds to Division 28 of the International Trade Classification, which is dedicated to metal ores and metal waste. It covers different families of ores, concentrates, and metal waste.
To precisely ascertain the factors behind this trend, a more detailed analysis of product categories and unit prices would be essential.
A Dramatic Surge in Imports in August
August 2026 stands out with a particularly marked acceleration. European imports of metal ores and metal waste from Morocco reached €40.03 million, compared to €5.61 million in August 2025.
The monthly value of exchanges thus increased by 613.38% year-on-year, more than seven times the level recorded twelve months earlier.
In absolute terms, the increase amounts to €34.42 million, representing nearly a quarter of the cumulative rise observed between January and August. This development significantly contributes to the overall progress recorded for the entire period.
European purchases had already demonstrated substantial growth during the first seven months of the year. From January to July 2026, their value stood at €241.19 million, compared to €127.93 million a year prior—an increase of 88.5%.
The acceleration seen in August has thus reinforced a trend that has already been well established since the beginning of the year.
Exchanges That Require Analysis Beyond Declared Amounts
During the first eight months of 2026, European imports of this category of products from Morocco averaged €35.15 million per month, compared to €16.69 million during the same period in 2025.
These figures are compiled by Eurostat based on the import declarations from EU member states. The valuation included encompasses transportation and insurance costs up to the European border.
This calculation method may explain some discrepancies with the export revenues recorded by the Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office, which are based on the Kingdom’s foreign trade declarations and may follow different valuation methods.
The significant increase observed in 2026 thus confirms the growth in the value of European exchanges with Morocco in the category of metal ores and metal waste. However, to fully appreciate the implications of this evolution, it remains essential to differentiate the effects of prices, volumes, and any potential changes in the nature of traded goods.
