Morocco-China Trade: Exchanges Increase, But the Deficit Widens
Strengthening Trade Relations: Morocco and China
Trade relations between Morocco and China continue to intensify. According to the latest figures released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), the trade volume between the two countries reached nearly 35.1 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately 48.4 billion dirhams, during the first five months of 2026.
This dynamic is primarily driven by 1,388 licensed Chinese companies authorized to trade with the Kingdom. Alone, these companies accounted for over 8 billion yuan in trade, representing nearly a quarter of the bilateral trade between the two partners.
Accelerating Trade Flows in 2026
Licensed economic operators recorded an annual growth of 30.2% in their exchanges with Morocco between January and May 2026. This performance surpasses the growth recorded throughout 2025, where bilateral trade had already increased by 22%, exceeding 78 billion yuan.
This evolution confirms the strengthening of economic relations between Rabat and Beijing, against a backdrop of intensified commercial exchanges and a mutual desire to facilitate customs operations.
A Persistent Trade Deficit Favoring China
Despite this sustained growth, the trade balance remains heavily skewed in favor of China.
Chinese exports to Morocco continue to far exceed Moroccan sales in the Chinese market. In 2025, Chinese companies exported nearly 9.9 billion dollars worth of goods to the Kingdom, while Moroccan exports to China did not exceed 1 billion dollars.
This imbalance resulted in an estimated Moroccan trade deficit of nearly 8.8 billion dollars, illustrating the strong dependence of the Moroccan market on Chinese manufactured products.
New Customs Facilities to Boost Exchanges
In an effort to strengthen their economic cooperation, the customs administrations of both countries signed a mutual recognition agreement for licensed economic operators in June.
This framework will alleviate customs checks, expedite the processing of goods, and facilitate exchanges for companies benefiting from this certification.
Additionally, since May 1, 2026, several products of Moroccan origin have been granted duty-free status upon entering the Chinese market, as part of a preferential regime offered to twenty African countries.
Chinese Exports Reach Historic Levels
Beyond its exchanges with Morocco, China is continuing to expand its foreign trade significantly.
In June 2026, Chinese exports reached a record of 412.4 billion dollars, marking a 27% increase year-on-year. Imports also saw a substantial rise, surpassing 286 billion dollars, bringing the country’s trade surplus to over 125 billion dollars.
This growth is primarily driven by high-tech sectors, particularly semiconductors, electronic equipment, and products related to artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence and the Automotive Sector Drive Chinese Performance
Electronic components for artificial intelligence technologies are among the key drivers of Chinese exports.
During the first half of 2026, exports of technology products saw remarkable growth, while vehicle sales surpassed one million units exported in a single month for the first time.
These performances underscore China’s increasing positioning as a major player in high-tech industries, as international markets become essential avenues amid a slowdown in domestic demand.
Favorable Prospects for the Sino-Moroccan Economic Partnership
The improvement of customs procedures, new tariff preferences granted to Moroccan products, and the intensification of commercial relations could offer new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
However, reducing the Moroccan trade deficit remains a key challenge. The development of Moroccan exports to China, particularly in agribusiness, industry, and mining sectors, will be crucial for rebalancing trade in the coming years.
