Morocco loses cargo traffic business after Algeria issued restrictions on shippers

Large maritime charter companies are complying with Algeria's directive to avoid transshipment in Moroccan ports for products bound for the Algerian market. CMA-CGM is reorganizing its services to Algeria, redirecting goods destined for Oran, Mostaganem, and Ghazaouet through Algesiras or Valencia instead of Tangier. Maersk is also changing routes, sending most shipments to Algiers, Skikda, and Bejaia via Barcelona and Algeciras, ending transshipment operations at Tangier-Med. This shift is attributed to increased imports from Algeria, leading to increased capacity and productivity. The directive from the Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions in Algeria aims to avoid transshipment through Moroccan ports, coinciding with the EU's new CO2 emissions taxation system for ships. The decision benefits Spanish ports but raises transport costs for Algerian importers.