Overview

• Moroccan authorities announced on July 8 that Melilla’s commercial customs will remain closed indefinitely, halting both imports and exports throughout the summer transit operation.
• The move abruptly blocked a planned export of household appliances, highlighting the sudden enforcement of Morocco’s policy against commercial shipments during the Paso del Estrecho.
• Melilla’s customs had reopened on January 15 under a bilateral roadmap tied to Spain’s endorsement of Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan.
• Local officials led by President Juan José Imbroda condemned the closure as proof of Madrid’s weakness in defending Melilla’s economic and border interests.
• Business groups warned that Morocco’s unilateral control over border access, with customs opening only for goods it selects, deepens trade uncertainty for local traders.