Morocco’s industrial imports soar 132% as high-tech investments grow

Wednesday 12 November 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco’s industrial imports soar 132% as high-tech investments grow

Morocco’s appetite for industrial equipment has surged over the past decade, reflecting the country’s growing transformation into a high-tech, industrialized economy. The value of imported industrial equipment climbed from MAD 77 billion in 2014 to nearly MAD 179 billion in 2024, marking a remarkable 132% increase, according to The North Africa Post.

Industrial growth fuels soaring imports

The sharp rise in imports aligns with Morocco’s expanding manufacturing base, driven by sectors like automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. Analysts attribute the shift to the transition from traditional manufacturing tools to more advanced, innovative industrial components.

Public and private investments in infrastructure and green energy projects have also played a key role, boosting the demand for specialized equipment. In 2024 alone, industrial imports reached MAD 178.88 billion, a 13% increase from 2023. This trend has continued into 2025, with the first nine months of imports totaling MAD 142 billion, 14% higher than the same period in 2024.

The surge is also tied to the recovery of Morocco’s automotive supply chain and the resumption of major construction initiatives, both of which are critical to the country’s export-driven economy.

High-tech components dominate imports

A decade ago, Morocco’s industrial imports were largely composed of basic items like electrical cables, industrial vehicles, and mechanical components. By 2024, the landscape had shifted significantly, with high-tech goods taking center stage.

Electrical connection devices, a key import at MAD 16.5 billion, were joined by piston engines and aircraft components, each valued at over MAD 14 billion. The growth in aerospace equipment imports highlights Morocco’s increasing integration into global aviation, particularly in hubs like Casablanca and Nouaceur.

The demand for utility vehicles has also risen, with imports totaling MAD 11 billion in 2023, 37% higher than in 2022 and approximately 60% above 2014 levels. Similarly, imports of telecommunication hardware and plastics-processing machinery have grown by over 24%, reflecting the country’s push toward diversifying its industrial base.

Driving innovation through industrial diversification

Morocco’s shift toward high-tech imports aligns with its broader vision to move up the manufacturing value chain from assembling machines to producing the technology behind them. While official trade statistics are yet to confirm some data, the trend is clear: Morocco’s industrial sector is diversifying and advancing.

This evolution demonstrates the success of policies aimed at modernizing the economy and integrating into global supply chains, particularly in high-value sectors like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy.