The persistent congestion at Tanger Med Port and the resulting delays in export shipments to Europe continue to stir controversy among industry professionals, particularly those in the textile and apparel sector.
These delays pose significant challenges for companies bound by strict delivery schedules with international brands.
The Moroccan Association of Textile and Apparel Industries has raised alarms about the situation, warning that it threatens the sector’s competitiveness and the trust of its global partners.
Head of AMITH’s northern branch, Yassine Arroud said that Spanish multinational clothing company, Inditex, has indirectly warned its Moroccan subcontractors about delays in product deliveries.
In an interview with Hespress, Arroud explained that the core issue lies in the inadequate infrastructure at Tanger Med Port, which is struggling under increasing pressure, while recent adverse weather conditions further exacerbated the situation by halting maritime traffic for several days.
Arroud said that Inditex collaborates with a vast network of Moroccan textile and apparel manufacturers—around 600 companies in Tangier and 150 in Casablanca.
The industry as a whole employs approximately 235,000 workers, with 46.5% of them based in Tangier.
He also pointed out that the Spanish retail giant favors Moroccan suppliers due to geographical proximity.
Moroccan manufacturers typically receive €3 per shirt, with an expectation that orders will be fulfilled within three to four days. However, the rise of e-commerce has intensified pressure on supply chains.
According to Laroud, if Inditex were to shift production to Turkey or Asia, it could reduce costs to as low as €2.5 or even under €2 per shirt.
However, the key trade-off is delivery time—20 days from Turkey and 40 days from Asia—making Morocco a more competitive option.
The assocition sent a letter last Wednesday to the Transport and Logistics Ministery addressing the “critical congestion at Tanger Med Port and its impact on the textile and apparel sector.”
The letter urged immediate action, warning that clients were seriously considering alternative supply chain solutions, and cautioned that continued delays could have severe economic repercussions for Morocco and damage its reputation as a reliable trade partner.
The assocition called for identifying the root causes of the congestion and implementing sustainable solutions, including expediting the release of trucks currently held at the port and streamlining administrative procedures to enhance coordination among stakeholders.
Authorities have prioritized textile and apparel shipments to mitigate delays and prevent disruptions in relationships with key international partners—particularly Inditex, which relies on Moroccan subcontractors for over 90% of its local production in Tangier.
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