Morocco rises to 8th in EU textile market as exports to Spain and Germany surge

Morocco has bolstered its standing in the European textiles and apparel market, ranking as the eighth largest supplier to the EU based on increased exports to major markets, as indicated by recent statistics provided by the Moroccan Association of Textile and Clothing Industries (AMITH).

By the close of February 2025, European Union imports of textile and apparel goods from Morocco had climbed to €4.26 million, marking an increase from the previous year’s figure of €3.96 million—a yearly growth rate of 8%. This uptick coincides with robust increases in shipments to Spain by 17%, and Portugal by 3%; additionally, deliveries to Germany witnessed a significant jump of 16% during this timeframe.

Spain continued to be Morocco’s top European buyer, purchasing over €243 million worth of textiles—a notable rise from the €207 million recorded the prior year. In second place was Germany, which increased its imports to €30 million from €25 million in February 2024.

On the contrary, sales to certain historically robust markets experienced a decline. For instance, France’s imports of Moroccan textiles amounted to €96.3 million, which represents a decrease from more than €100 million recorded previously—a reduction of about 4%. Likewise, exports to Italy decreased slightly to €20 million compared to €21.1 million the previous year. Additionally, deliveries to the Benelux region (comprising Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) dropped significantly by 26%, falling from €17.9 million to €13.2 million.

Even though Morocco has improved its standing within the EU rankings—from 10th place in 2023 to 9th in 2024 and now at 8th position—it continues to lag behind China, Bangladesh, Turkey, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Pakistan in total textile and apparel exports to the European market.

Top Items in Morocco’s Textile Export Industry

The analysis of various product categories indicates that pants remain the leading export in Morocco’s textile industry, amassing revenues totaling MAD 330 million by the close of January 2025. This was trailed closely by t-shirts which earned MAD 247 million. Additionally, pullovers contributed MAD 44 million, whereas woven shirts (chemises) generated MAD 77 million during this period.

Based on official statistics provided by Morocco’s Office des Changes, the nation’s total textile and apparel exports amounted to MAD 3.47 billion in January 2025—a minor decline of approximately 1%, compared to MAD 3.52 billion during the corresponding month in 2024.

The varied performance underscores both changing market conditions and Morocco’s developing export approach. As established markets such as France and Italy exhibit indications of saturation or deceleration, expansion in Northern and Southern Europe—especially Germany, Spain, and Portugal—suggests fresh prospects for Moroccan exporters looking to broaden their reach and stay competitive globally amidst pressures posed by leading Asian manufacturers in textiles.