(Ecofin Agency) - Morocco exported less to other African countries in 2018 compared with the previous year, the country’s recent Foreign Trade Annual Report showed. In 2018, the country exported $2.2 billion worth of products to the rest of Africa, down 2.4% compared to 2017.

The document reports a decline in exports of fertilizers, refined sugar and lubricants to the continent's countries over the period reviewed. While overall exports increased by 10.6% in 2018, reaching $28.6 billion, Africa only accounted for 7.8% of the volume.

The document also indicates Morocco spent $1.9 billion (+24.7%) last year in imports from other African countries. Overall, Morocco’s imports grew by 9.8% to over $50 billion, driven by higher purchase of gas and oil, dates, cobalt, coffee and audiovisual equipment.

Africa is the only continent with which Morocco recorded a trade surplus in 2018, at nearly $274.8 million. 

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou