Mrirt — Morocco’s industrial sector gained momentum in May 2025, with production and sales rising across most sectors, according to Bank Al Maghrib’s monthly industry survey.
The central bank reported that factories operated at 78% capacity during the month, indicating strong demand for manufactured goods.
Production and sales climbed in nearly all industrial branches, with one notable exception.
Textile sector struggles while others grow
The textile and leather industry bucked the positive trend, recording declines in both production and sales.
This downturn contrasts sharply with gains seen in other manufacturing sectors.
Sales increased both domestically and internationally, showing that Moroccan manufacturers found success in local and foreign markets alike.
Mixed signals in order books
According to the report, new orders painted a complex picture across different industries.
Food processing and mechanical engineering sectors saw order increases, while chemical and petrochemical industries reported stagnant demand.
Meanwhile, the textile and leather sector continued its downward trajectory with falling orders.
Order backlogs tell a similar story, with companies in mechanical engineering reporting above-normal order books, while food processors maintained normal levels.
Chemical and textile companies struggled with below-normal backlogs.
Cautious optimism for coming months
Looking ahead to the next three months, manufacturers expect continued growth in most sectors. They anticipate higher production and sales across the board, with two exceptions.
Textile and leather companies predict stagnation, while chemical and petrochemical firms expect sales to decline. Production in chemicals should remain stable, according to industry forecasts.
Despite the generally positive outlook, uncertainty clouds the horizon. Nearly one in five companies expressed doubts about future production trends, suggesting that confidence remains fragile in Morocco’s industrial sector.
The survey results reflect a manufacturing economy in transition, with traditional sectors like textiles facing challenges while mechanical and food processing industries show resilience.
