Logistical Shock Behind Textile Export Decline in Q1 (-14%)

The Moroccan textile sector's export figures for the first quarter of 2026 show a decline of 14.1%, indicating a challenging period for the industry.

However, experts attribute this decline to a temporary logistical shock caused by the harsh winter weather and concentrated on the flows with major markets, particularly Spain.

The second quarter will determine the extent of the expected recovery.

As of March 31, 2026, Moroccan exports of textiles and leather stood at 9.8 billion dollars, down from 11.4 billion dollars at the same period in 2025, according to the Office of Exchange data.

The sector thus recorded a decline of 14.1%.

The decline affected all segments of the sector.

In detail, ready-to-wear clothing, the sector's primary export segment, fell by 15.5%.

Knitwear items decreased by 14.3%, while shoes declined by 7%.

The first quarter of 2026 recorded the lowest export value on the 2022-2026 period.

Consultant Redouane Lachgar, contacted by Médias24, states that the decline is primarily due to a logistical shock, rather than a structural slowdown in the textile sector.

"The observed decline does not reflect an economic crisis in the sector.

It is primarily explained by an exceptional logistical shock linked to the adverse weather conditions that disrupted supply chains and delivery chains, particularly between Morocco and Spain, from mid-December to mid-March," he explains.

"In a sector as dependent on imports and rapid exports, a few weeks of disruptions can significantly delay deliveries.

This is what happened in the first quarter of 2026," he adds.

According to our source, orders have not disappeared: it is the transportation delays, maritime rotations, and the delivery of raw materials that have been affected.

"The orders existed, but the transportation delays, maritime rotations, and the delivery of raw materials were affected.

This is not a demand crisis, nor an immediate loss of competitiveness for Moroccan textiles.

It is primarily a transportation problem," he emphasizes.

The Moroccan textile model functions as a highly integrated chain with Europe, particularly Spain.

A significant portion of the activity also relies on subcontracting.

"Companies import raw materials, transform them locally, and then re-export finished products to European markets.

In this economic model, maritime transport plays a decisive role," Redouane Lachgar highlights.

"When maritime rotations are disrupted, the impact does not only affect the export of the final product.

It also affects the arrival of raw materials, then production and delivery delays.

As a result, the volume of exports recorded during the period is affected," he continues.

The first quarter is generally a strong period for Moroccan textile exports.

This year, this strong period coincided with adverse weather conditions and logistical disruptions.

According to Redouane Lachgar, a portion of the flows that should have been recorded in the first quarter has been postponed to the second quarter.

"Historically, the beginning of the year is a peak period for textile exports.

However, this year, this peak coincided with unfavorable weather conditions and logistical disruptions.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid reading the first-quarter figures as a structural trend.

A portion of the expected exports has been shifted to the following months," he indicates.

"The most relevant analysis will be that of the second quarter.

It will allow us to measure the recovery of exports, linked to the postponement of a portion of the usual peak to the following months.

The real test will be to see if the sector recovers the delayed volumes after the normalization of maritime links," he concludes.