Casablanca Contraband Merchants Face Crisis as Border Closures Threaten Livelihoods

Hafid has been running a business in Derb Ghallef for several decades. He no longer knows which way to turn and speaks of an untenable, difficult situation. He explains that, like many other merchants, he resorts to the stocks he has. "But I will end up liquidating these stocks in two or three months," he continues.

If he, he hopes to hold out for a few more months before closing up shop, this is not the case for Ahmed who thinks he only has a few days left. "I no longer have any merchandise, I should soon lower the curtain and I will not be the only one to do so," he assures.

These Spanish products, sold in Casablanca, mainly come from the two Spanish enclaves, located in the north of the country. Morocco, after having allowed cross-border trade for several decades, is trying to eradicate the phenomenon of food smuggling. And these merchants are unfortunately paying the price.

The country unilaterally closed the Tarajal II border post in Sebta on October 9. A similar decision had also hit the Melilla enclave in 2018 for commercial customs.