Moroccan officials have unexpectedly suspended Egyptian imports, causing the stoppage of shipments already at the ports. The sudden suspension affects a wide range of products, including agricultural and industrial goods such as food items, ceramics, iron, and electrical appliances.
The decision has raised concerns that the suspension violates existing trade agreements between Morocco and Egypt, particularly the Agadir Agreement, which removes tariffs on trade among Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Tunisia. Around 150 containers filled with ceramics, food products, and insulation materials are stranded at the ports.
Earlier this week, the government dispatched a high-level delegation to Rabat to advocate for lifting the recent restrictions that have caused Egyptian exports to pile up in Morocco’s ports for the past two weeks. The ongoing negotiations, involving representatives from the finance, industry, and investment ministries and Moroccan officials, indicate signs of progress, with Morocco starting to release shipments of Egyptian dates as reported by EnterpriseAM.
The trade relationship between Morocco and Egypt has become notably unbalanced. In 2024, Egyptian exports to Morocco amounted to approximately $1 billion (£E50.6 billion), whereas Moroccan exports to Egypt, primarily in the automotive sector, totaled a mere $80 million (£E4 billion). Although Moroccan officials have not released a formal explanation for the decision, industry experts suggest it may be linked to the trade disparity.
The timing of the suspension has also sparked speculation, as it coincides with recent plans to establish four slated for launch in 2025, Egyptian industrial projects in Morocco, with a total investment of $200 million (£E 10.1 billion).
Egyptian business leaders are urging a swift resolution, warning prolonged restrictions could severely impact exporters, particularly in agriculture. Negotiations between Egyptian and Moroccan officials continue as both sides work to resolve the issue and restore trade flow.
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