Morocco is today one of the developing countries, with industrial exports accounting for 70% of total exports.
According to the 100 basis index of 1992, industrial production progressed by 3.3%. The value added of processing industries posted in 1996 a 2.6% increase against 3.7% in 1995 and accounted therefore for 17.4 %.
Food Industry
Sugar production
Morocco, which used to import its total needs of sugar after independence, produces presently more than 438,000 tons, which is half of the national consumption which reached 889,000 tons in 1996.
There are 13 sugar plants based in Beni-Mellal, Sidi Slimane, Sidi Bennour, Ouled Ayad, Sidi Bennour, Sidi Allal Tazi, Dar Gueddari, Zemamra, Larache and Zaio and 4 sugar refineries.
Flour Mills
In 1996, the production of flour and pasta progressed by 3.9% against 1.4% in 1995. Industrial flour mills ground 26.5 million quintals of soft wheat, producing 20 million quintals of flour, including 9.5 million quintals of subsidised flour.
Milk Industry
Milk is processed and conditioned by co-operatives based in various production areas in Casablanca, Agadir, El Jadida, Fes, Marrakesh, Kenitra, Oujda, Tetouan and Fkih Ben Salah.
The quantities of produced pasteurised milk were estimated at 4.05 million hectolitres, or half of the local milk production. This quantity is 26% higher.
Textile and leather industry
The sector of textile and industry which accounts for 22% of the industrial production index is mainly destined to exportation, accounting for 42% of the total industrial exports. The sector employs 41% of the industry labour force.
The sector is dominated by small-sized enterprises that account for 54% of the number of enterprises but only contribute 15% of the output.
Cement Production
Morocco has 9 cement plants located in Casablanca, Tangiers, Agadir, Meknes, Tetouan, Marrakesh, Oujda and Temara. Cement production posted a 3% increase, from 6,399,000 tons in 1995 to 6.6 million tons in 1996.
Chemical industry
It is witnessing a new takeoff thanks to the development of the phosphates richness that Morocco boasts.
Chemical compounds
- "Maroc Chimie 1 and 2" process a part of the phosphates extracted in Youssoufia with an annual capacity of 360,000 tons of sulfuric and phosphoric acid.
- "Maroc Phosphore" comprises two units: one created in 1976 with an annual capacity of 600,000 tons and the second one created in 1981 that processes phosphates extracted in Ben Guerir with an annual capacity of 495,000 tons. The two plants are located in Safi.
- "Maroc phosphore 3 and 4" of Jorf Lasfar with a capacity of 1,320,000 tons.
Parachemical industry
It comprises a set of limited processing activities of transformation and conditioning for the local market. Among these activities, pharmaceutical industry holds an important rank with 18 production units.
Mechanic industry
The launching of the low-cost car, the reduction of the importation customs duties for new cars, and the enforcement of a new tax basis for second-hand cars are all factors that have contributed significantly to the development of new car sales.
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