Morocco’s Auto Exports Slump 7.8% in Q1 2025, Costing 3 Billion Dirhams

While Renault’s factories in Tangier and Casablanca exported 132,000 vehicles between January and the end of April, a slight decrease of 3.6% compared to 2024, Stellantis Morocco experienced a more significant drop in its exports. Noted failures in certain types of engines have led to recalls of its vehicles in European markets. Similarly, the scheduling of maintenance operations has reduced the production pace of factories and exports. However, industry players hope for a return to normal by the end of the year.

Furthermore, another issue is shaking the sector. The Chinese manufacturer Citic Dicastal, specializing in aluminum wheels and based in Kenitra, has been the subject of an anti-dumping investigation conducted by several European countries. This affair has caused Morocco to lose a major investment project to Portugal. For its part, the Chinese company has announced the opening of a fourth factory in Morocco, proof of its renewed commitment to strengthening its presence in the kingdom, which continues to attract foreign investors, particularly from Asia.

According to experts, Moroccan authorities should control this rush of Chinese investors to the Moroccan automotive sector in order to preserve relations with European manufacturers, historical partners of the kingdom. In other words, maintain a climate of trust with European partners, without slowing down the investment dynamic. The objective for Morocco is to strengthen its position as a competitive industrial platform.