Morocco’s free trade agreements have boosted exports and industrial growth but left smallholder farmers largely excluded from the benefits, according to a new analysis by the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung.
Over the past three decades, Morocco has signed more than 50 free trade deals, including a flagship agreement with the European Union in 2000. The EU pact helped attract foreign investment and accelerate exports, turning the North African kingdom into a key hub for trade with Europe.
The industrial sector has been among the biggest winners. In Tangier, the Renault-Nissan plant produces about 400,000 cars annually, generating more than $14 billion in exports. The automotive industry now employs over 220,000 people and represents more than 20% of Morocco’s export revenues.
Large-scale agriculture has also profited. Exporters of citrus and berries from regions such as Souss-Massa, Larache and Kenitra have used EU market access to invest in modern irrigation and logistics. Their products reach European supermarkets within days, becoming symbols of Morocco’s export success.
But the study found that smaller farmers, who make up roughly 80% of Morocco’s agricultural workforce, remain on the sidelines.
Most operate on plots smaller than five hectares, three-quarters are too small to reach economies of scale, and only 12% have access to refrigerated transport. Post-harvest losses can run as high as 30%, excluding many from export markets.
Geography further deepens the divide. Coastal regions with ports and logistics corridors benefit from trade, while landlocked provinces such as Beni Mellal-Khenifra and Azilal remain cut off due to weak infrastructure.
The foundation’s analysis stressed that Morocco’s trade policy itself is not the problem. Instead, it called for national policies that make growth more inclusive, including investments in cold-chain storage, rural roads and easier market access for small producers.
Without such measures, the gap between export-driven industries and struggling farmers will continue to widen, the report warned.
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