Port Delays at Algeciras Strain Spain-Morocco Trade Relations

Due to the new reforms, the shipment of goods from the port of Algeciras is experiencing delays of more than 72 hours. According to sources close to the case, more than 700 trucks are blocked in this port, which is also accessible by road from Morocco. The Moroccan ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, has expressed her intention to bring this situation to the attention of the Spanish ministries of Health and Territorial Policy so that a viable solution can be found, reports Diario El Canal.

The president of Ateia Algeciras OLT, Manuel Cózar, representing the importers, exporters and members of the logistics chain affected by the situation, had asked the Directorate General of Health to find a solution to mitigate the "serious economic damage" suffered by the latter. While sharing their "concern", the authority assured them that actions are underway to "adjust the inspection procedures so that the goods traffic resumes".

In the meantime, it is appropriate to suspend the health surveillance plan in Algeciras and strengthen the fast lanes, in order to redeploy the resources used for these routine tasks. It is also proposed to the Ministry of Territorial Policy the possibility of reinforcing the Algeciras border post with inspectors from other services to accelerate the control activity.

For the moment, the status quo prevails. Professionals in the sector intend to engage in discussions with the Ministries of Health, Territorial Policy and Trade, as well as with the Port Authority of Algeciras, and all stakeholders to find a consensual solution to the situation.