US Trade Mission to Visit Morocco to Enhance Agri-Food Export Opportunities
Rabat – A major US trade mission is expected to visit Morocco in May this year, to boost cooperation between the two countries in the agri-food export sector.
Morocco's ambassador to the US Youssef Amrani announced the news on his X.
'More than 15 U.S. states, along with federal agencies, are leading this mission, which aims to enhance agri-food export opportunities and underscores the shared commitment to deepening trade and investment ties with the Kingdom,' he said .
Morocco's government considers agri-food as a key sector that contributes to the country's economy.
The sector generates over $17 billion in annual revenue and creates over 161,000 jobs.
According to Morocco's industry ministry, the agri-food sector is a key contributor to Morocco's economy, employing 21% of the industrial force.
It also contributes 24% of industrial added value, generating 23% of industry turnover.
'The Agri-food industry is a highly diversified sector with activities that meet the needs of Moroccan consumers and provide a wide range of food products,' the ministry said, noting that the sector covers phases from initial processing of agricultural and fishery products to their complete transformation.
The sector is also attractive for foreign direct investment, the ministry noted .
Morocco and the US share good diplomatic ties, which are also reflected in other sectors like agriculture.
Morocco and the US signed the FTA on June 15, 2004. It wasn't until January 1, 2006, that the agreement came into force.
Just a year before the agreement's implementation, US trade was valued at around $35 million. Since then, the surplus has risen to $3.4 billion by 2024.
US goods exports to Morocco in 2024 reached $5.3 billion in value, representing a 37.3% rise from the previous year.
This makes Morocco the 46th largest export market for US goods.
Additionally, US imports from Morocco reached $1.9 billion, representing a 12.3% increase from 2023. Tags: free tradeMorocco and US
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Morocco World
World Bank Backs $350 Million Project to Transform Casablanca's Rail, Logistics Network
Rabat – The World Bank recently committed $350 million to finance a major overhaul of Greater Casablanca's transport and logistics system. The financing aims to enhance commuter rail operations and enhance the strength of Morocco's national railway company, the Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF), preparing it for long-term expansion. Morocco's urban population now reaches 60% and is expected to climb to 70% by 2050. Casablanca-Settat, the country's economic powerhouse, sits at the center of this urban boom. Cities already drive much of Morocco's economy and job creation, but residents face serious challenges like limited transport options in suburban neighborhoods, worsening traffic congestion, and pollution. Addressing these problems is vital for the future livability and economic potential of Moroccan cities. To meet this challenge, the Moroccan government has invested heavily in rail and public transit. The World Bank-sponsored new program, Service Intra-métropolitain Rapproché (SIR), aims to upgrade train station amenities and boost the number of passenger trains operating. This reduces journey times between main points to 45 minutes or less, providing greater access to employment opportunities and basic services for more people. The $350 million will be used to extend an electrified commuter rail network between central Casablanca and expanding suburbs such as Zenata, Mohammedia, Nouaceur, and Bouskoura. The project includes the renovation of 73-kilometer stretches of existing railway lines, electric infrastructure, and signaling equipment that would be resilient against the impacts of climate. It will alleviate congestion on existing lines and increase freight transportation capacity to Casablanca's port, an important commercial center. The project also aims to develop or upgrade 15 multimodal rail stations, with accessible design and development practices that promote transit riding. It aims to increase logistics activities, particularly in the Ain Sebaa industrial district, and enhance access to a new logistics park in Zenata. Ahmadou Moustapha Ndiaye, the World Bank's Maghreb and Malta Division Director, said the financing will enhance ONCF's management and operational abilities, helping the operator evolve into a publicly listed company focused on customer service. He described the project as a key step toward sustainable urban development and improved daily life for Casablanca residents. By mid-2031, the program expects to improve transport access for more than half a million people. It will raise the number of jobs reachable by rail within 45 minutes by seven percent and improve access to essential services by a similar margin. This investment marks a turning point in Casablanca's transport system, aiming to connect growing suburbs efficiently while reducing environmental impact and supporting economic growth across the region. Tags: morocco railwaysMorocco transportworld bankworld bank morocco
Ya Biladi
4 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
US Trade Commission launches second review in Morocco phosphate fertilizer case
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has announced it will conduct a second court-ordered remand review in the countervailing duty case involving phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, reads a Federal Register document published on Tuesday. This follows an April 22, 2025 ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade, which again asked the Commission to better justify its finding that Moroccan and Russian imports harmed the U.S. domestic industry. The case dates back to March 2021, when the USITC first ruled that phosphate fertilizers from Morocco and Russia materially injured American producers. Morocco's OCP Group challenged the decision in court. Although the Commission reaffirmed its findings in January 2024 after a first remand, the court has now ordered a second review, with no new evidence allowed. Only parties that participated in both the original investigation and the appeal, including OCP, may submit written comments. The deadline for submissions is June 20, 2025.
Ya Biladi
4 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Morocco opens probe after hacker group claims breach of judicial website
Following claims by a hacker group reportedly based in Algeria that it breached the Ministry of Justice's IT systems and published two letterheaded screenshots from the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ), the King's Public Prosecutor at the Rabat Court of Appeal ordered on Tuesday the opening of a judicial investigation into reports of a cyberattack targeting the Council's website. In a statement, the Prosecutor confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the circulation of two administrative documents allegedly linked to the Council. The communiqué also noted that the case has been entrusted to the National Judicial Police Brigade. The breach, claimed by the group JabaRoot, was announced on Sunday. In a message posted on its Telegram channel, the group said it had obtained «very sensitive» data concerning Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi and the broader Moroccan judiciary. Just a week earlier, JabaRoot claimed responsibility for hacking Tawtik, the platform used to digitize notarial procedures in Morocco. The group published files and documents allegedly involving political figures in notarial transactions, raising significant alarm. Moroccan authorities have not yet issued an official response to the latest attack. While the authenticity of the leaked documents remains unverified, the growing wave of cyber intrusions is raising serious concerns about the security of Morocco's critical digital infrastructure.
