The United States leads as the top destination for Moroccan traditional handicraft exports
Omar Hajira, the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, revealed that the United States ranks first as the largest importer of Moroccan traditional handicraft products, accounting for 44 percent of total exports, followed by France at 14 percent, and Spain at 7 percent, while the remaining percentages are distributed among Arab and other European countries.
The government official affirmed that the American market is also the primary destination for Moroccan zellige, pointing out that ceramics and stone make up 36 percent of the export structure, followed by carpets at 20 percent, and traditional clothing at 11 percent, with the cities of Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez at the forefront of exporting these products.
Hajira explained during his response to oral questions at the House of Advisors that the government held a consultative tour throughout various regions of the Kingdom to listen to stakeholders in the export sector and to identify the challenges and opportunities facing the Moroccan handicraft industry. He stated that these meetings revealed significant potential that could enhance Morocco’s position in international markets.
The same official highlighted several obstacles that hinder the growth of exports, including difficulties accessing foreign markets, weak commercial promotion, the lack of export standards among some artisans, and challenges in sourcing raw materials.
Hajira announced the upcoming presentation of a new foreign trade program next week, which includes measures to support the sector, noting the signing of a partnership agreement between the Secretary of State for Foreign Trade and the Secretary of State for Traditional Handicrafts, aimed at increasing the value of exports currently valued at 1.1 billion dirhams.
He emphasized that this figure does not reflect the vast potential of the sector, especially with more than 2.6 million traditional craftsmen possessing skills that have received international recognition and praise, necessitating joint efforts to develop the presence of Moroccan traditional handicrafts in global markets.
