Morocco’s Industrial Sector Faces Uneven Start to 2026 as Manufacturing Weakens

June 16, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Morocco’s industrial performance showed mixed results at the start of 2026, with growth in automotive, pharmaceuticals and technology-related manufacturing unable to offset declines across several traditional production industries, according to data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP).

The country’s manufacturing output, excluding petroleum refining, decreased by 1.4 percent in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2025. The contraction came as activity slowed in sectors including food processing, clothing, metals and construction-related manufacturing.

Electrical equipment production recorded one of the largest setbacks during the period, declining by 11.3 percent. Output of non-metallic mineral products, which are closely linked to construction activity, fell by 8.6 percent, while fabricated metal products excluding machinery and equipment dropped by 5.8 percent.

The downturn extended to several other industries. Food manufacturing output declined by 3.5 percent, clothing production fell by 8.1 percent, and metallurgy recorded an 8.9 percent reduction. Chemical manufacturing also contracted, though at a smaller rate of 1.4 percent.

Some export-focused industries continued to expand despite the broader slowdown. Morocco’s automotive sector, one of the country’s main manufacturing and export pillars, increased production by 4.5 percent year on year. The production of other transport equipment rose by 28.2 percent, the strongest growth recorded among manufacturing activities.

The quarter also saw gains in pharmaceutical manufacturing and advanced industrial segments. Pharmaceutical output grew by 4.5 percent, while computer, electronic and optical product manufacturing increased by 7 percent. Beverage production recorded a modest 2.1 percent rise.

The pressure extended beyond manufacturing, with Morocco’s extractive industries reporting a 1.9 percent decline in output. A fall in the production of various extractive products contributed to the decrease, partly offset by a 0.7 percent rise in metallic ore production.

The HCP also recorded lower electricity production during the first quarter, adding to signs of weaker activity in parts of the industrial and energy sectors.