Casablanca – Morocco is reinforcing its strategic role within the European Union (EU) textile and clothing sector, showcasing robust growth in exports and imports. By the end of November 2024, Morocco secured its place as the EU’s 8th largest clothing supplier, with exports reaching approximately $2.72 billion, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase. This marks a strong recovery after a significant 14% decline in 2023, highlighting Morocco’s resilience amid shifting global trade dynamics.
This growth positions Morocco ahead of several Mediterranean competitors, including Turkey and Tunisia, which recorded declines of 7% and 8%, respectively. In total, EU clothing imports stabilized at around $85 billion by November 2024. China remains the leading supplier, with $23.6 billion in exports, followed by Bangladesh ($17.8 billion), Turkey ($9.2 billion), India ($4.2 billion), Vietnam ($3.8 billion), Cambodia ($3.8 billion), Pakistan ($3.4 billion), Morocco, Myanmar ($2.15 billion), and Tunisia ($2.13 billion), rounding out the EU’s top 10 clothing suppliers.
China’s dual role in the EU market
Interestingly, China not only leads as the EU’s primary clothing supplier but also ranks as its fourth-largest customer, with imports totaling approximately $3.4 billion as of November 2024. According to Jean-François Limantour, President of the Euro-Mediterranean Circle of Textile and Clothing Executives (CEDITH), China is becoming an increasingly important market for European exporters, particularly in the luxury segment.
Morocco’s textile imports: A key player in the EU market
While Morocco may not be among the EU’s top 10 textile suppliers, it plays a significant role as the 4th largest importer of European textiles. In the first eleven months of 2024, Morocco imported textiles worth approximately $2.05 billion, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. This figure contributes to the EU’s total textile exports, which stood at around $26.4 billion during the same period.
Strengthening Morocco-EU Textile Ties Through Strategic Partnerships
A significant development in Morocco-EU relations occurred at the end of 2024 when Euratex (European Apparel and Textile Confederation) and the Moroccan Association of Textile and Clothing Industries (AMITH) signed a memorandum of understanding in Casablanca. This agreement aims to deepen collaboration and promote sustainable economic growth on both sides.
Key focus areas include aligning industrial practices with European sustainability and circular economy standards, addressing customs and regulatory challenges, and enhancing the business and investment climate. The partnership also encourages the exchange of information on industrial technologies, cross-border trade initiatives, and skills development projects.
By fostering stronger cooperation, Morocco and the EU are paving the way for a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive Euro-Mediterranean textile and clothing industry.
