Morocco becomes Spain’s top natural gas export market in strategic energy shift

Morocco has emerged as Spain’s leading natural gas export destination, receiving 858 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the first half of 2025, representing 35.5% of total Spanish gas exports and signaling a fundamental shift in Mediterranean energy dynamics.

The North African kingdom’s dominant position, ahead of France which imported only 354 GWh or 14.6% of Spanish exports, reflects strengthening energy interconnections and Morocco’s rising prominence as a regional player in energy transition and supply security. This development, reported by Catalan agency Europa Press, demonstrates Morocco’s strategic exploitation of Spain’s role as a European gas hub.

Spanish natural gas exports totaled 2,415 GWh in June, declining 40% year-on-year, with pipeline deliveries accounting for 52.1% and liquefied natural gas comprising 47.9%. Over twelve months, cumulative exports reached 41,181 GWh, representing a 17.1% annual decrease.

Spain’s import patterns reveal significant geographic recomposition. Deliveries from Central and South America surged 93.6%, North American supplies increased 26.1%, and African imports rose 18.9%. Conversely, European and Eurasian flows plummeted 57.2%, with no imports recorded from Asia-Pacific or Middle Eastern sources.

Algeria remains Spain’s primary supplier, delivering 12,038 GWh in June (43.6% of total imports), followed by the United States with 4,134 GWh (15%) and Russia providing 3,268 GWh (11.8%). Total Spanish imports reached 25,173 GWh in June, increasing 3.7% year-on-year, driven by a 19% surge in LNG volumes despite a 20.8% decline in pipeline deliveries.

Morocco’s position as Spain’s strategic gas client opens opportunities for enhanced technical and strategic cooperation, potentially fostering greater regional energy market integration. This dynamic could establish a new Euro-Mediterranean partnership framework based on interdependence, technological complementarity, and resilience against international disruptions.