Rabat / Anadolu

The High Commission for Planning in Morocco predicted on Monday a slowdown in the country's economic growth to 3% in 2027, compared to an expected 4.8% in 2026.

The commission, the official statistical body, said in a report that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resulting paralysis of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz led to higher raw material prices and disruptions in global supply chains.

It added that the growth forecasts are based on an 'exceptional recovery of the agricultural sector, continued support of domestic demand for growth thanks to the recovery of final consumption and strong investment, despite continued external fluctuations.'

The report pointed out that trade exchanges will be affected by weak external demand for Moroccan exports and rising raw material prices, which will exacerbate the trade deficit during 2026.

This comes amid the continuing repercussions of the US-Israeli war on Iran and the subsequent disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected energy and raw material prices and global supply chains.

On July 8, US President Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire contained in the memorandum of understanding signed with Tehran on June 18, which included the lifting of the naval blockade on Iran.

This announcement came after Iran targeted three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, at a time when Tehran asserts its pursuit of imposing a mechanism to regulate the passage of ships through the waterway, while Washington demands guarantees of freedom and security of navigation.