Economy

The trade deficit increased by 23.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching 198.38 billion dirhams. This was due to imports rising much faster than exports. Higher energy costs and domestic demand are putting pressure on the trade balance, but the increase in capital goods also suggests a recovery in investment. With the coverage ratio falling to 56.8%, the lowest level since 2018, the key challenge is to convert rising imports into increased productive and export capacity.

Morocco’s ordinary state revenues reached MAD 261 billion by the end of July 2026, up 8.3% year on year, as stronger tax and customs receipts more than offset a decline in non-tax revenues, according to the General Treasury of the Kingdom.

Maersk is positioning Tangier as a maritime entry point for cargo bound for Casablanca, using a high-frequency rail service between the two cities to offer businesses an alternative to routing goods directly through the country’s busiest commercial port. The logistics group says the fully operational corridor is designed to improve predictability, ease exposure to congestion and connect ocean freight with customs clearance, storage and final-mile delivery.

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced Thursday, August 12, a new additional instalment of exceptional direct support for road transport operators carrying passengers and goods, covering the period from August 1 to 15, 2026.

OPEC has cut its forecast for global oil-demand growth in 2026 to 580,000 barrels per day, down from 780,000 b/d previously, marking the fourth consecutive downward revision, while raising its 2027 growth forecast to 2.16 million b/d from 1.94 million b/d, according to its August Monthly Oil Market Report released Wednesday.

Emirates plans to increase its Dubai-Casablanca service from one to two daily flights starting Feb. 1, 2027. According to aviation schedule specialist AeroRoutes, a Boeing 777-200LR will join the Airbus A380 already serving the route, although the additional flights are not yet open for booking.

Morocco has emerged as Norway’s leading supplier of fresh raspberries and blackberries, with record exports of 707 tons between July 2025 and June 2026, up 22% year on year. The performance pushed Moroccan berries’ share of Norwegian imports above 50% for the first time and allowed Morocco to overtake Portugal for the top spot.

A new karting circuit, an international-standard water park, and an updated food selection are among the changes planned for Casablanca’s Sindibad Park, which is beginning the most ambitious transformation in its history. Sindipark, a joint venture equally owned by SOMED (a subsidiary of Al Mada) and the Egyptian group Pickalbatros, is leading the project.

Samsung Electronics brought the new Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 to life during an immersive launch event in Casablanca, offering media, creators and guests the opportunity to experience the latest Galaxy wearables in real-world conditions through a series of wellness, fitness and outdoor activities.