Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has vowed to defend the country’s position against the European Commission’s decision to impose definitive anti-subsidy tariffs on Moroccan exports of aluminum car wheels.
The ministry, in response to the EU’s March 14 implementation of the tariffs, has engaged an international law firm specializing in trade disputes to contest the ruling.
According to official Hespress AR sources from the ministry’s Directorate of Trade Protection and Regulation, Moroccan authorities cooperated fully with the European Commission’s investigation, along with relevant national bodies and exporting companies. Despite this cooperation, the Commission imposed tariffs of 31.45% and 5.60% on Moroccan exports.
Throughout the investigation, the Moroccan ministry maintained its efforts to protect local exporters from what it described as arbitrary measures, stressing that it had closely monitored developments to ensure fair treatment.
The ministry expressed regret over the EU’s decision, arguing that it primarily aims to curb Chinese investment in Morocco and redirect it towards Europe. As a result, the planned fourth factory of Dika Morocco Africa in Kenitra was canceled in favor of a new investment in Portugal.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to defending the interests of businesses and investors who have chosen Morocco as a competitive production and export hub. It also highlighted the legal framework under which the EU investigation was conducted, referencing the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SMC) of the World Trade Organization.
This agreement allows member states to conduct investigations into potential government subsidies that may harm local industries.
The tariffs follow an EU investigation launched on February 16, 2024, after a complaint from the European Wheel Manufacturers Association (EUWA), which claimed that Moroccan exports benefited from unfair government subsidies, damaging European industry.
Repeated attempts by the Moroccan Exporters Confederation (Comex) to comment on the issue have gone unanswered.
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