Casablanca – Morocco’s industrial and extractive sectors experienced significant growth in the second quarter of 2025, signaling a continued recovery in the country’s economic activity and a gradual transformation toward higher-value, technology-intensive industries. The High Commission for Planning (HCP) reported notable improvements across key sectors, although traditional labor-intensive industries continue to face persistent challenges.

Manufacturing sector drives growth
The manufacturing sector, excluding petroleum refining, recorded a 7% increase in its production index compared with the same quarter in 2024. This performance was largely fueled by strong output in several core industries. The chemical sector grew 9.3%, highlighting its resilience amid global supply chain fluctuations and external pressures. Non-metallic mineral products, which include construction materials, expanded by 10.8%, reflecting sustained demand from infrastructure and real estate development projects.

Food processing, another critical component of Morocco’s manufacturing base, rose 9%, supported by stable domestic demand and improved processing capacity. The metallurgy sector registered a remarkable 17.2% increase, while electrical equipment manufacturing surged 16.3%, underscoring the country’s focus on technologically advanced production. Tobacco products also saw a notable 19.1% rise, and the automotive industry maintained steady growth of 5.6%, confirming its role as a reliable contributor to industrial output.

Traditional industries face pressures
Despite overall positive trends, several traditional sectors continue to struggle under international competition and changing consumer patterns. Clothing production fell by 11.6%, while leather and footwear declined by 9.1%. The production of other transport equipment dropped 14.5%, and rubber and plastic products decreased by 3.2%. Printing and reproduction of recordings also experienced a slight decline of 0.8%. These results highlight the vulnerability of labor-intensive industries that are less integrated into high-value supply chains.

Extractive industries and energy sector
The extractive sector showed remarkable resilience, expanding 16.8% in Q2 2025. This growth was primarily driven by miscellaneous extractive products, which rose 17.4%, while metallic ore extraction remained essentially flat, increasing only 0.1%. The strong performance of miscellaneous extractive products indicates ongoing investment and activity in non-metallic minerals and industrial raw materials.

Electricity production and distribution also recorded a robust 9.4% increase, reflecting both rising industrial demand and higher consumption from residential sectors. Analysts view this growth as a key indicator of Morocco’s broader economic recovery, with energy infrastructure playing a crucial role in supporting industrial expansion and modernization.

Structural shift in industrial dynamics
The second-quarter results underscore a gradual reorientation of Morocco’s industrial structure toward sectors with higher value-added and technological intensity. Chemistry, metallurgy, and electrical equipment manufacturing are emerging as the new drivers of industrial growth, while traditional sectors such as textiles and footwear continue to face competitive pressures. Observers suggest that industrial policy will need to balance support for expanding high-value sectors with measures to sustain employment and competitiveness in vulnerable industries, ensuring social stability alongside economic growth.

Outlook for the Moroccan economy
The performance of Morocco’s industrial and extractive sectors in Q2 2025 points to both opportunities and challenges. Continued investment in high-tech and capital-intensive industries is likely to strengthen the country’s industrial base and boost export potential. At the same time, targeted support for traditional sectors may be necessary to prevent job losses and maintain a balanced, inclusive industrial development.

The latest figures reflect a dynamic Moroccan economy in transition, where innovation-driven growth is beginning to complement traditional manufacturing and extractive activities. With appropriate strategic planning and investment, Morocco’s industrial landscape could continue its trajectory toward higher productivity, increased competitiveness, and sustained economic momentum in the coming quarters.