Spain's Arms Exports to Morocco Increase Thirteenfold, Totaling €21 Million in 2024
According to the Spanish news outlet OKDiario, which analyzed data from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Commerce, this substantial increase comes at a time when NATO is urging member countries like Spain to increase their domestic defense spending.
The majority of these exports consisted of bombs, grenades, and torpedos, which increased from €1 million in 2023 to €12.8 million in 2024, representing a 1,096.33% rise.
The most significant growth was recorded in parts and accessories for weapons, which expanded from €10,015 to €8 million, marking an exceptional 79,739.22% increase.
The data also shows that rifle, gun, and spring pistol exports to Morocco increased by 10% in 2024, reaching €205,564. In contrast, Spain's arms imports from Morocco remained minimal, totaling only €1,277 euros in 2024, with €660 spent on rifles and spring pistols, and €617 on sabers, swords, and bayonets.
This trade imbalance is reflected in Spain's overall arms trade figures for 2024, with total exports reaching €858.4 million while imports stood at €290.76 million.
Meanwhile, Spain's Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, has requested that the European Commission either finance domestic defense investments through loans and grants or exclude such investments from public deficit calculations if funded by the state.
Spain's expansion of arms exports occurs while NATO and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have criticized the country for failing to meet its domestic military spending commitments.
Read also: Spanish Media Frets Over Morocco Apache Acquisition Tags: Military modernizationMorocco spain
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