Ceuta’s Economy Stalls as Morocco Blocks Cross-Border Trade

The reopening of the border is not yet benefiting Ceuta. The reason is the non-resumption of goods traffic with Morocco, whose authorities have formally prohibited the entry of all products from the autonomous city. Local entrepreneurs were eagerly awaiting this reopening of the border, which was supposed to boost local trade and the economic development of the city thanks to the return of Moroccan tourists.

This measure by the Moroccan authorities prohibiting the movement of goods is detrimental to both the residents of Ceuta and Moroccan tourists who are experiencing serious difficulties in getting their goods, especially clothing and shoes, through, according to Ceuta Actualidad, noting that Spain has published the list of products and quantities that can arrive from Morocco to Ceuta.

Since the reopening of the border, only citizens holding a Schengen visa or a foreign identity card (TIE), as well as registered cross-border workers, are allowed to cross the Tarajal border post. The Ministry of the Interior indicated on Friday in a decree published in the Official Journal (BOE) that these limitations will be maintained until the end of Operation Marhaba on September 15.