Ceuta’s Economy Stagnates as Border Reopens Without Goods Traffic

The reopening of the Ceuta border has been effective since last Tuesday, but only people are allowed to cross. For the moment, no goods traffic is allowed, recalls ABC. The decision was poorly received by buyers who use cunning to bypass the controls. "A customer bought shoes and had to wear them at the same time so as not to get caught," explains a Piccolo shoe store manager in the city center.

To read: Morocco-Spain Talks May End Duty-Free Shopping for Ceuta Tourists

In short, the economy has not yet been relaunched in Ceuta. Proof of this, only one money changer out of the usual twelve has resumed service at the border. The activity is not legal, but it is the only way to quickly exchange currencies. "They change ten or 20 euros for the taxi or the bus. There are no large sums for shopping," notes the money changer.

On the other hand, the tourism sector is experiencing a little more success, with the influx noted in hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars like the one on Punta de Africa beach, about 50 meters from the border, where travelers stop to have water or a coffee.

Ceuta entrepreneurs hope that the opening of the border to cross-border workers on May 31 will help revive the autonomous city’s economy. "We hope that the commercial customs office will be legally recognized and equipped with the appropriate means to function properly," said Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of Ceuta.