Morocco's International Road Transport Sector on Brink of Collapse

Morocco's international road transport sector is facing a severe crisis due to unresolved issues with the EU's entry-exit regime and Schengen visa requirements.

The situation is weighing heavily on an already fragile sector, with only 20% of international drivers remaining within the authorized limits of Schengen tourist visas.

The sector's problems are compounded by the ongoing impact of December's severe weather and port disruptions, which resulted in a near-total halt to activity for over a month and a half.

This led to significant losses for some companies, with one operator estimating a 5 million DH loss due to the shutdown.

The sector is also facing pressure from rising fuel costs, with the president of the AMTRI Maroc association warning that 60% of companies could struggle to stay afloat in the coming months without additional support.

The crisis has also highlighted the need for measures to restructure debt and prevent a wave of bankruptcies.

The situation is further complicated by the lack of a formal agreement between Morocco and the EU on a proposed mechanism to simplify the entry-exit process for drivers, which has been stuck in negotiations for weeks.

The sector's woes come at a time when the industry is already struggling to cope with the aftermath of the pandemic, and the lack of a clear solution to the EU's entry-exit regime is exacerbating the problem.

The situation is critical, and a swift resolution is needed to prevent further damage to the sector and the economy as a whole.

The crisis has significant implications for the Moroccan market, with the sector's struggles likely to have a ripple effect on the broader economy.

The need for a swift resolution to the EU's entry-exit regime and the implementation of measures to support the sector are crucial to preventing further damage and ensuring the sector's long-term viability.