Moroccan Craft Exports Soar to Record $100 Million in 2022 Despite Global Challenges

Speaking at the board of directors meeting of the House of Crafts (MDA) held this week, the Minister of Tourism and Crafts, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, noted that the crafts sector has recorded good performance in recent months despite multiple international crises. The department is forecasting 15% growth compared to the previous year, resulting in an increase in international sales that should reach 1 billion dirhams.

This trend is attributable to the efforts made by the various stakeholders to open up to international markets and promote local craft products, explained the minister. This includes the implementation of a new contractual framework between the Ministry, the MDA and the Chambers of Crafts, aimed at improving production and productivity, according to Tarik Sadik, Managing Director of the MDA.

Thus, the House of Crafts plans to consolidate its activities on the American market and strengthen the prospecting of new growth relay markets, in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The year 2023 will see the deployment of new strategies, including the annual program of professional trade fairs. In addition, Moroccan crafts will participate for the first time in the Del Mobile Salons in Italy and the ICFF in the United States, it is specified.

According to Fatim-Zahra Ammor, the crafts sector is a real catalyst for socio-economic development, contributing 7% to national GDP. But also a major job creator with around 2.4 million people, or 22% of Morocco’s active population, spread over 172 trades.