Moroccan Merchants Devise New Trade Route to Bypass Ceuta Border Closure

The group that had the idea is made up of merchants from Tetouan. They have already prospected the market as part of the import of non-prohibited local products, via the Tanger Med 2 port, at affordable costs.

In practice, these goods will be rerouted to Algeciras, to be re-exported to Tanger Med, reports L’Economiste.

These initiatives come as the situation at the border continues to deteriorate. After Morocco’s decision to ban exports of fresh produce, including fish, to Ceuta, and the closure of the Tarajal border crossing, voices have been raised calling for a response from the Spanish authorities.

The president of the city, Juan Vivas, has decided to focus on proposals to be presented to the Spanish government in order to deal with the situation. Another proposal aims to suspend the Schengen treaty exception concerning Ceuta and Melilla. This would require any Moroccan traveler in transit in Ceuta to present a Schengen visa, which was not previously required for residents of Tetouan and the surrounding area.