Household consumption declines in 1999

After an increase of 4.9% in 1998, the consumption of Moroccan households regressed by 1.1% in 1999, says the department of economic studies and forecasts.

The department ascribes the slowing down in households consumption to agriculture hardships, coupled with a degradation of the labor market and the stagnation of families revenues.

A survey of the living standard of families covering the 1998-1999 period said families use 43.1% of their budget for buying food, 21.4% for housing, 6.9% in medical and hygiene expenses, 6.5% in transportation and communication and 4.5% in education, culture and leisure.