Impact, logic and political leaning: Economists explain 10% US tariffs on Moroccan goods

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of countries last Wednesday as part of a broader trade policy aimed at protecting the American economy and reinforcing the “America First” doctrine.

Among the targeted nations, Morocco saw a comparatively low tariff rate of 10 percent — the lowest among a list that included Algeria (30%), Tunisia (28%), and China (34%) — raising questions about the rationale behind this relatively favorable treatment.

The tariff decision comes within the framework of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement signed in 2006, which continues to shape bilateral economic relations. According to economic experts, the Moroccan exception reflects a mix of political and economic factors.

While steeper rates were applied to countries considered major trade rivals or contributors to the U.S. trade deficit, Morocco’s modest rate aligns it with U.S. allies such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, all of which also faced 10 percent tariffs.

Economic analyst Mohamed Amine Sami attributes the relatively low tariff rate to the longstanding trade agreement, which limits the U.S.’s ability to impose high duties on Moroccan exports.

He added that this agreement positions Morocco as a preferential partner in North Africa and serves as a legal buffer against aggressive tariff hikes. Furthermore, he pointed to the strategic political ties between Rabat and Washington — notably reinforced by the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020 — as a key element in the decision.

These ties, he argued, compel the U.S. to balance its protectionist stance with the preservation of vital alliances.

On the economic front, Morocco does not pose a significant trade deficit for the United States. Its exports to the U.S. were valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2023, a modest figure when compared to global economic giants like China or the European Union.

This places Morocco outside the high-risk zone targeted by Trump’s assertive trade strategy.

Sami suggested that the 10 percent rate, while reflective of Trump’s broader reciprocal trade policy, shows a degree of flexibility toward trusted partners. “The U.S. is asserting economic sovereignty,” he said, “but avoids confrontation with allies who don’t threaten its industries.”

Similarly, economics professor Abderrazak El Hiri of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez said the Moroccan tariff is part of a broader U.S. protectionist approach, yet clearly differentiates between countries. He warned, however, that such policies could signal the beginning of a global trade conflict.

El Hiri explained that the criteria used to set these tariffs rely heavily on trade deficits and import volumes — metrics that place Morocco well below more economically aggressive nations.

El Hiri noted that while the new tariff may have a negative impact on Moroccan exports to the U.S., the overall effect will likely be limited due to the relatively low volume of bilateral trade.

He emphasized that the U.S. market demands high standards that Morocco has yet to fully meet, meaning that while the tariffs present an additional challenge, they do not pose a fundamental threat to Moroccan trade.

The economist also raised the question of whether Morocco can remain an attractive platform for export-oriented investments targeting the U.S., especially now that several rival exporters face higher duties. The answer, he suggested, will depend on how Morocco positions itself amid a shifting global trade landscape.