Moroccan economic analysts say China’s recent decision to lift customs duties on imports from African countries presents a golden opportunity for Morocco to reduce its persistent trade deficit with the Asian giant.
Although Morocco recorded a record high of $1.3 billion in exports to China last year, that figure remains modest compared to the total trade volume between the two nations, which reached around $9 billion—a gap that heavily favors China.
Geopolitical Strategy Behind the Move
The tariff removal announcement came from President Xi Jinping in a message addressed to the foreign ministers of 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China. The declaration was made during a meeting between African foreign ministers and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
According to China’s state media and the Africa-focused news agency Ecofin, Xi said that full tariff exemptions would be granted to imports from all African nations with diplomatic relations with Beijing, excluding Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan.
Analysts see the move as part of China’s broader geopolitical strategy in response to the ongoing trade war with the United States, especially after the U.S. imposed a 34% tariff on certain Chinese imports.
Experts Urge Morocco to Seize the Opportunity
Khalid Homs, economics professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, told Hespress that the measure is more political and geopolitical than purely economic, aimed at presenting China as a champion of the Global South and an ally to Africa.
Still, Homs believes Morocco stands to benefit significantly:
“Morocco could double its exports of raw materials—particularly phosphates and minerals that China needs but lacks in sufficient quantities,” he said. The country could also increase its electric vehicle battery exports, he added.
However, Homs stressed that Moroccan companies must ensure their products meet Chinese quality standards in order to fully benefit from this opportunity and expand their market presence in China.
Structural Trade Deficit Could Narrow
Youssef El Karaoui Filali, an economist and president of the Moroccan Center for Governance and Management, also welcomed the Chinese initiative.
“This decision will help lower the overall cost of Moroccan products entering the Chinese market, potentially boosting exports and helping Morocco narrow its structural trade deficit,” Filali said.
He added that the move could even lead to a trade surplus in the future, depending on how effectively Morocco capitalizes on the tariff exemption.
A Win-Win Strategy
While Morocco could strengthen its economic ties with China, experts note that the decision also serves China’s own industrial interests. The country relies heavily on African raw materials for its manufacturing sector and export production.
“This is a win-win in the short term,” Filali concluded, “and generally positive for all African nations looking to expand their trade with China.”
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