
Moroccan Exports Plummet 18% as COVID-19 Hits Auto and Textile Sectors
The coronavirus pandemic has had repercussions on Moroccan exports, which fell by 18.3% in the first half of 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic has had repercussions on Moroccan exports, which fell by 18.3% in the first half of 2020.

After a timid resumption of automotive market activities in early June, sales (PC/LCV) increased by 8.03% in July 2020.

Several neighborhoods in Agadir have been overrun by illegal auto repair shops. An untenable situation that seems to be escaping the authorities, to the great discontent of the residents who no longer know how to proceed so that the sidewalks regain their former tranquility.

The automotive market continues its recovery. With deconfinement, importers-distributors could now gain visibility.

The automotive sector seems to be regaining good health after hitting rock bottom due to the crisis related to the coronavirus. According to statistics from the Association of Vehicle Importers in Morocco (AIVAM), for the month of June 2020, they show the first signs of a recovery in sales in the Moroccan automotive market.

The manager of a vehicle rental agency was arrested on Thursday evening in Laâyayda (Salé). He is accused of falsifying travel certificates and selling large quantities of psychotropic tablets.

After more than two three months of suspended activity, driving schools are reopening. They are starting this Monday, June 15, with the exception of the interface with the National Road Safety Agency (Narsa) which will only be reactivated on Wednesday, June 17.

Despite the slowdown in the global market, Morocco has managed to integrate the automotive industry value chain through the expansion of its trade, making it an example. This is at least what the 2020 Arab Sustainable Development Report indicates.

After cafes, bars and restaurants, deconfinement is being prepared at car dealerships. In this regard, safety measures have been issued by the supervisory ministry and imposed in showrooms.

Following the health restart plan put in place, the Renault Nissan plant in Tangier is operating again.

Faced with the worsening of its economic situation, the French automaker Renault intends to suspend its factory expansion projects in Morocco and Romania.

After more than two months of suspended activity, the Association of Vehicle Importers in Morocco (AIVAM) and the Moroccan Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA) are mobilizing to relaunch their activities, which have been severely affected by the health crisis. Several strong measures have been proposed by the players to the Economic Monitoring Committee.