Casablanca – Recent data from Eurostat sheds light on Morocco’s increasing involvement in the global trade of recyclable raw materials. In 2023 alone, European Union (EU) countries exported approximately 890 thousand tons of recyclable materials to Morocco, marking a significant uptick in trade activity.

This surge in exports to Morocco mirrors a broader trend seen across the EU, where the volume of recyclable raw material exports to non-EU countries has been steadily increasing since 2004. In fact, Eurostat reports a 74% increase in exports since then, underscoring the growing demand for recyclable materials globally.

Morocco’s position as a key destination for these exports is evident in the data, with countries like the Netherlands, Spain, and France emerging as leading exporters to the North African nation. The Netherlands, in particular, stands out as the top exporter, having shipped over 213 thousand tons of recyclable materials to Morocco in 2023.

Conversely, Morocco also plays a role as an exporter of recyclable materials to the EU, with Eurostat data indicating that EU countries imported more than 165 thousand tons of such materials from Morocco during the same period. This two-way trade highlights Morocco’s growing significance in the global recycling industry.

While Spain tops the list of EU countries importing recyclable materials from Morocco, other nations like France and the UK also feature prominently as importers. Spain alone imported over 87 thousand tons of recyclable materials from Morocco in 2023, reflecting the mutual trade relationship between the two countries.

The data also reveals fluctuations in trade volumes over the years, with both export and import figures reaching record highs in recent times. This dynamic trade relationship underscores the importance of Morocco as a key player in the global recycling supply chain.

Morocco’s increasing involvement in the trade of recyclable raw materials highlights its growing role in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship on a global scale. As the demand for recyclable materials continues to rise, Morocco is well-positioned to further capitalize on this trend and solidify its position as a key player in the global recycling market.