Casablanca – Morocco’s mining and export data for the first half of 2025 underline the country’s continuing dominance in the global phosphate market. Both production and foreign sales of phosphate and its derivatives surged, reflecting a sharp rebound in raw phosphate exports and sustained demand for fertilizers and phosphoric acid. The combined performance confirms the sector’s strategic importance to Morocco’s economy and its role as a pillar of foreign currency earnings.
Production accelerates in first half of 2025
According to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts, phosphate rock production grew by 15.1% in the first half of 2025. The pace of growth accelerated between quarters: output rose 11.9% in the first quarter, then expanded by 18.1% in the second quarter. This momentum demonstrates not only rising extraction capacity but also stronger global demand for raw phosphate.
Phosphate derivatives—such as fertilizers and phosphoric acid—also recorded growth, though at a more moderate pace than last year. Their output rose 6.8% by the end of June 2025, compared with a sharp 30.3% jump during the same period in 2024. The figures suggest that after an exceptional performance last year, derivative production is stabilizing while still contributing positively to sector performance.
Exports cross $5.7 billion by July
On the export front, the Foreign Exchange Office reported that phosphate and derivative exports reached $5.7 billion during the first seven months of 2025. This represents a 20.9% increase compared with the same period in 2024.
Breaking down the export basket:
- Raw phosphate sales surged by 56.2%, confirming the rebound in global demand for the mineral.
- Natural and chemical fertilizers rose by 19.3%, supported by steady agricultural demand worldwide.
- Phosphoric acid exports increased by 12.1%, consolidating Morocco’s position as a leading supplier to global chemical industries.
For the first half of the year alone, phosphate and derivative exports totaled $4.8 billion, marking an 18.9% rise compared with the same period in 2024, when growth was limited to 9.2%.
This performance is largely explained by two trends:
- Derivative exports climbed 16%, improving from 10.1% last year.
- Raw phosphate exports staged a remarkable turnaround, soaring 51.4% after a slight 0.2% decline in 2024.
Broader export trends
While the phosphate sector recorded robust growth, export performance across other Moroccan industries was more mixed. Aerospace exports increased by 8.9%, surpassing $1.72 billion, driven by stronger sales of wiring systems (up 9.4%) and assembly components (up 8.9%).
However, several other sectors registered declines:
- Other mineral extractions dropped 6.8%,
- Electronics and electrical goods fell 6.5%,
- Textiles and leather were down 3.3%, and
- Automobile exports slipped 1.8%.
This contrast highlights the centrality of phosphates in sustaining Morocco’s export growth at a time when some industrial sectors face external headwinds.
Strategic significance
Morocco holds over 70% of the world’s known phosphate reserves, making it a cornerstone of global agricultural supply chains. With food security concerns remaining high and demand for fertilizers continuing to rise, the country’s export growth underscores its pivotal role in stabilizing international markets.
The strong rebound in raw phosphate shipments in 2025 is particularly significant, as it reflects both the resilience of global demand and Morocco’s ability to quickly scale up production. At the same time, continued investment in downstream products such as fertilizers and phosphoric acid ensures higher value-added exports, diversifying revenues beyond raw materials.
Outlook
The first seven months of 2025 confirm that phosphates remain Morocco’s strongest export engine. With production accelerating and exports expanding by double digits, the sector is positioned to deliver another year of robust foreign currency inflows.
However, the slower growth in derivative production compared to last year suggests that external demand may be leveling off after an exceptional 2024. Meanwhile, the declines in other export industries raise the importance of maintaining momentum in the phosphate sector to balance overall trade performance.
Looking ahead, Morocco’s strategy of investing in both extraction and processing capacity is expected to pay off, ensuring the country not only consolidates its role as the world’s top phosphate supplier but also enhances its position in value-added segments of the global fertilizer and chemical industries.
