China has officially launched its first rail-sea logistics corridor to Morocco, marking a major milestone in enhancing trade connectivity between China and Africa. The new route starts in Chengdu, Sichuan province’s capital, and travels by rail through Poland, Germany, and Spain before containers are transferred to ships in Barcelona for shipment to Tanger Med, Morocco’s largest port, according to Medias24.
This marks the first time a China-Europe Railway Express line has been extended to an African Mediterranean port. The corridor is expected to reduce delivery times from over 35 days via traditional maritime routes to just 20 days, significantly improving supply chain efficiency.
Led by Sichuan Silk Road Supply Chain Management in partnership with DPD, a subsidiary of France’s La Poste, the corridor offers an alternative to maritime routes passing through the Suez Canal or around the Cape of Good Hope. Although the route may not yet be cheaper than sea freight, it is anticipated to attract more operators and bolster Moroccan exports to China, especially as Beijing gradually lifts tariffs on African goods.
Morocco has emerged as a strategic partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In January 2022, it became the first North African country to sign a formal BRI implementation plan with China, establishing a foundation for cooperation in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and digital connectivity. Morocco’s geographic location, at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean, positions it as a natural hub and gateway for China’s trade with the African continent.
Chinese investment in Morocco has steadily increased over the past decade, with significant involvement in automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors. Chinese firms are actively developing Tangier Tech City, a vast industrial and innovation zone near Tanger Med port. Moreover, Chinese companies have invested in Morocco’s solar and wind energy projects, aiding the country’s green transition efforts. In the emerging electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, Chinese company Gotion Hightech is constructing Africa’s first gigafactory in Morocco.
The new rail-sea logistics corridor is expected to further incentivize Chinese businesses to utilize Morocco as a strategic base for accessing both African and European markets.
