Rabat — Morocco has gained the upper hand over Spain in negotiations over the transfer of goods on the Melilla border, with plans to export fruits, vegetables, and fish to the Spanish enclave in exchange for selected Melilla-made products.
Local businesses are dissatisfied that there is no proper inspection point for Moroccan fresh produce. Spain has previously built a control facility at the port, known as PIF, but it is not operational yet.
Morocco stood firm in negotiations and enforced the “regional” customs deal, which will only allow products made in Melilla to cross the Beni-Enzar borders, according to the Spanish news outlet EL Faro. At the same time, other Spanish-made goods and from beyond remain barred.
“It’s not right,” said Juan José Imbroda, leader of Melilla’s Popular Party (PP). He called the restrictions harmful to the city. “Why can’t a man from Barcelona send his fabrics through customs here? That’s horrible.”
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, had previously claimed Spain was ready for full customs operations. But Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, spoke only of a “common formula” for improvements.
Business owners worry these limits will harm Melilla’s economy. Some believe it’s better to have no customs at all than accept Morocco’s terms. “This condition should not be accepted,” Imbroda said.
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Trade between Morocco and Melilla was informal for many years, with heavy loads of clothes and household items often carried across the border by the “mule women.”
Morocco closed the Beni Enzar customs post in 2018 to protect the local economy. Both countries have since made efforts to update the laws and rules. In 2023, Morocco and Melilla reopened the trade route.
Last year, Morocco imported around €2.28 million worth of goods from the Spanish enclave and remains Melilla’s top export client.
