Rabat – Morocco’s industrial and construction sectors recorded higher activity in the second quarter of 2026, according to a new survey by the High Commission for Planning (HCP).
The HCP’s quarterly business survey, published on Thursday, found that manufacturing production increased during the April-June period, while construction activity also grew.
The report attributed the increase in manufacturing mainly to stronger activity in the automotive, electrical equipment, and chemical industries. However, production fell in the paper and cardboard and textile industries.
Manufacturing companies reported that their order books were at a normal level, while employment remained stable. The sector’s capacity utilization rate stood at 75%, according to the survey.
Despite the overall increase, supply problems were still a challenge. About 34% of manufacturing companies said they faced difficulties obtaining raw materials, mainly those sourced from abroad. Meanwhile, 19% of business leaders described their cash flow situation as difficult, with the share rising to nearly 27% in the clothing industry.
The extractive industry, meanwhile, recorded a decline in production due mainly to lower phosphate output. Selling prices increased, while employment fell.
Energy production increased during the quarter, mainly because of higher activity in electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning production, and distribution. Selling prices also rose, although employment declined.
Environmental industry activity remained stable, with water collection, treatment and distribution showing little change. Employment in the sector also remained stable.
Construction activity also increased
The construction sector also recorded higher activity in the second quarter.
HCP attributed the increase to stronger activity in building construction and specialized construction work, while civil engineering activity remained stable.
Construction companies reported normal order books, while employment increased. The sector’s capacity utilization rate stood at 75%.
However, 14% of construction companies reported difficulties obtaining raw materials. 28% of business leaders in the sector described cash flow as difficult.
Manufacturing companies expect production to increase in the third quarter of 2026.
The expected rise is mainly linked to stronger activity in the food, chemical and non-metallic mineral products industries. At the same time, companies expect production to decline in the automotive, clothing, and paper and cardboard industries.
Manufacturers expect employment to remain broadly stable.
Extractive companies also expect production to increase in the third quarter, mainly due to higher phosphate output. However, they expect employment to decline.
Energy companies expect both production and employment to increase, while environmental industries expect production and employment to remain stable.
Business leaders in construction expect activity to continue rising in the third quarter, driven by building construction and specialized construction work. Civil engineering activity is expected to remain unchanged, while employment is expected to increase.
