Commercial exchanges between the Port of Montreal and Morocco jumped 44% in 2025, according to preliminary results published by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). The authority noted that trade with the Mediterranean region increased 1.5%, driven notably by strong growth in Moroccan exchanges, confirming the kingdom’s rising status as Canada’s strategic commercial partner in North Africa.
Agricultural flows showed particularly marked development. Canadian imports of Moroccan fruit soared 137%, while exports of Canadian lentils to Morocco climbed 154% over the same period. This performance illustrates strengthened commercial complementarity between the two countries, especially in agri-food sectors.
Beyond Morocco alone, exchanges between Montreal Port and the entire African continent increased 39% in 2025, demonstrating expanded Canadian commercial routes amid global supply chain reconfiguration. The port continues consolidating links with other major markets including India and China.
Despite an unstable economic and geopolitical environment, Montreal Port handled 34.3 million tons of merchandise in 2025. The containerized sector recorded 3.6% growth, exceeding international projections for global trade growth estimated between 2% and 3%. However, solid bulk declined 6%, primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions affecting harvests after record years in 2023 and 2024. Liquid bulk also decreased 1.6% due to reduced energy demand.
Regarding strategic expansion plans, the MPA announced signing a joint development agreement with DP World Canada for the Contrecoeur project. Preparatory work has begun, accompanied by environmental compensation measures. The project aims to increase port capacity by 1.15 million containers, supporting Canada’s federal strategy to double exports beyond the United States.
MPA CEO Julie Gascon, addressing the Metropolitan Montreal Chamber of Commerce, stressed diversification’s importance: “The 2025 results clearly demonstrate that diversification is no longer an option, but a necessity. Montreal is a port city deeply connected to the world.”
