Morocco has reportedly blocked Egyptian goods from entering its markets amid escalating trade tensions, though no official announcement has been made, Egypt’s Shorouk newspaper reported.
The ban, in place for weeks, stems from Egypt’s alleged failure to fully implement the Agadir Agreement, a free trade pact that includes Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan.
A wide range of Egyptian exports—including ceramics, food products, fruits, vegetables, iron, cement, electronic appliances, and agricultural commodities—have been affected. Egypt exports between $800 million and $900 million worth of goods to Morocco annually, while Moroccan exports to Egypt remain significantly lower.
Egypt has tightened control over foreign currency spending, a move that could be influencing its trade decisions. On the Moroccan side, trade experts argue that Egypt frequently blocks Moroccan exports under the pretext of quality standards.
Trade disputes between the two countries are not new. Morocco has long accused Egypt of flooding its market with cheap products that undercut local industries. In response, Moroccan authorities have imposed anti-dumping duties on Egyptian goods such as canned tomatoes and textiles.
Despite the current tensions, Shorouk reported that negotiations are underway to resolve the dispute. Meanwhile, Moroccan investments in Egypt remain robust, with around 295 Moroccan companies operating in the country. Total trade between the two nations stands at approximately $1.3 billion annually.
The Agadir Agreement, signed in 2004 and implemented in 2007, was designed to boost trade by eliminating customs duties and other barriers between Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan. The pact also aims to strengthen economic ties and facilitate exports to Europe, as all four countries have trade agreements with the European Union.
However, trade between Morocco and Egypt has faced repeated obstacles. Morocco has frequently objected to what it sees as an influx of low-cost Egyptian goods, while Egypt has been reluctant to import Moroccan cars. This ongoing friction has led to periodic trade restrictions on Egyptian products.
Trade is a two-way game. Egypt can’t expect Morocco to let Egypt export their products while not allowing Moroccan exports into Egypt. Not to mention that the trade deficit is huge between the two countries. Egypt is run by idiots.