# Spain-Libya trade relations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spain-libya-trade-relations
> Updated: 2026-08-23T03:45:24.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

In the first half of 2026, trade between Spain and Libya experienced significant growth, reaching approximately €2.59 billion. This represents an increase of over €1 billion compared to the same period in 2025.

Spanish exports to Libya rose by 114.6% to €324.5 million, while imports from Libya to Spain increased by 66.8% to €2.267 billion. Despite the rise in Spanish exports, Libya maintained a trade surplus of roughly €1.94 billion. Energy remains a primary driver of this relationship, supported by recent developments such as the resumption of direct flights between Madrid and Tripoli and the Libyan Spanish Economic Forum.

## Claims

- Bilateral trade between Spain and Morocco was valued at 22,757 million euros in 2025. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- In the first half of 2026, Spanish exports to Morocco rose by 3.5% to 6,420.5 million euros. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- A prolonged controversy between Spain and Morocco would likely result in higher costs for Morocco than for Spain. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- In the first half of 2026, Spanish imports from Morocco increased by 4.1% to 5,795.5 million euros. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi claims Morocco has historical and geographical rights over Ceuta and Melilla. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Spain has categorically rejected Morocco's claims and proposals for negotiations regarding Ceuta and Melilla. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The European Union is Morocco's primary commercial partner, serving as its main supplier and client. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Moroccan Justice Minister proposed a bilateral dialogue mechanism to reach a definitive solution regarding the status of the two cities. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Spain maintains that Ceuta and Melilla are part of its sovereign territory and the European Union. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Tens of thousands of people attempted to cross into Ceuta from Morocco in late July, causing a migration crisis. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- In 2025, Morocco imported electricity from Spain equivalent to 8% of its annual demand. (single source)
- In 2025, 23% of Morocco's petroleum product purchases came from Spain. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Morocco claims Ceuta and Melilla as Spain rejects sovereignty demands

Morocco has renewed claims to Ceuta and Melilla, prompting a categorical rejection from Spain. The dispute occurs alongside a migration crisis and amid strong bilateral trade and energy ties.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-and-morocco-maintain-23-billion-euro-bilateral-trade-relationship

### 2026-08-19: Spain-Libya trade reaches €2.59 billion in first half of 2026

Trade between Spain and Libya reached €2.59 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by a 114.6% increase in Spanish exports and a 66.8% rise in Libyan imports to Spain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-libya-trade-reaches-259-billion-in-first-half-of-2026

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Cite as: Spain-Libya trade relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spain-libya-trade-relations
