Raw Material Imports from Morocco to Ceuta See Steady Rise

Rabat — Moroccan raw materials exports to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta have recently seen an increase, with a new 28-ton shipment arriving last week from the North African country through customs.

The shipment marks the seventh import operation since March 26, according to Spanish local media.

The flow of raw materials from Morocco has developed into a clear and consistent import channel for Ceuta.

Since the first heavy vehicle loaded with sand entered on March 26, six similar shipments have taken place, with the most recent shipment arriving on April 2.

Ceuta’s growing demand for Moroccan construction materials stems from the significant cost advantages, as the imports of final products from Morocco cost about 20% less compared to imports from the Iberian Peninsula.

This economic advantage suggests this trend will continue.

Successful import operations began on March 26 with the first raw materials shipment, followed by an acceleration in April with five successful imports of sand and gravel.

Mid-April saw the arrival of a 25-ton sand shipment, followed by another 25-ton gravel shipment.

On April 22, 24, and 28, three additional shipments of combined materials arrived, each weighing 28 tons. This flow continued with another 28-ton shipment arriving on April 2.

The availability of these competitively priced materials translates to lower costs for businesses and individuals purchasing them in Ceuta.

Meanwhile, the outlet reported a stagnation in fish imports from Morocco. With only a shipment of 300 kilos on February 27, the route does not serve the interests of fishmongers in Ceuta.

Morocco and Spain managed to relaunch customs operations in January 2025 after approximately 6 years of closure.

The first authorized commercial vehicle that crossed the Melilla border to Morocco in January, and another from Ceuta in February, marked the official reopening of the customs posts between the two enclaves and Morocco.

Authorities planned a gradual reopening of customs in order to pave the way for more robust import-export operations.

The established regulations demanded that vehicles entering Morocco from Spain could transport electronics, appliances, and cleaning products, while Moroccan exports to the Spanish market could include aggregates, fruits, vegetables, and fish products.

The new surge of Morocco’s raw materials in Ceuta signals a growing trend in the export-import relations between the two countries across their land borders.