In a decisive step towards strengthening international trade security, Morocco and the United States have signed a bilateral agreement formalising the North African country’s incorporation, with strategic ports such as Tangier Med and Casablanca, into the Container Security Initiative (CSI), promoted by the United States to protect the maritime logistics chain against terrorist threats and smuggling.
This alliance aims to protect the maritime supply chain to the United States. Cooperation between the two countries will be intensified to detect cargo that may pose a risk before it is shipped, promote greater exchange of strategic information and establish stricter security controls, all without hindering the flow of trade.
What is the CSI and what are its benefits for the United States?
Protection (CBP) after the 9/11 attacks, is an international programme designed to inspect containers considered high risk at ports of origin before they enter US territory. This initiative integrates the use of intelligence, risk assessment and advanced detection technology to prevent terrorist acts and curb global smuggling.
With the addition of Morocco, the CSI extends its presence to a key location on the North African coast, strengthening strategic ties in an increasingly important region.
Donald Conroy, executive director of the Office of Field Operations, International Operations and Advisory Services at CBP, highlighted that ‘the signing represents not only an expansion of the CSI programme, but also the strengthening of a partnership built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to protecting the global community.’
It should be noted that this cooperation is not isolated. In May of this year, both nations collaborated in the joint military exercise ‘African Lion 25.’ This annual operation, which takes place partially in Morocco, featured significant participation by US forces, thereby improving joint operational capabilities and security in coastal areas and the Sahel region.
Advantages for Morocco
The port of Tangier Med, the largest container port in Africa and the Mediterranean, is one of the major beneficiaries of this cooperation. In 2024, it handled 8.61 million TEUs, exceeding its nominal capacity and growing by 13.4% compared to the previous year. Thanks to Morocco’s incorporation into the CSI programme, Tangier Med is moving forward to become one of the safest ports globally by adopting the rigorous security standards of the Container Security Initiative.
The port of Casablanca, a key hub for trade with North America. Located on the Atlantic coast, it is one of the largest and busiest ports in the country, handling more than 21.3 million tonnes of traffic annually, representing approximately 38% of Morocco’s total maritime trade.
In addition, the joint military exercise African Lion has created a stable environment that is driving investment in logistics and energy infrastructure, such as the upcoming Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline and green hydrogen projects.
The adoption of CSI standards not only facilitates trade with the United States and Canada, but also positions Morocco as a secure transit point for landlocked countries in the Sahel. This stance was reflected in Morocco’s active participation in the 61st Meeting of Directors General of Customs of North Africa, the Near and Middle East, where strategies to improve customs cooperation and the application of international standards were discussed.
Being recognised by the United States as a reliable partner in logistics and security increases Morocco’s attractiveness to investors, shipping companies and global supply chains. This development coincides with Morocco’s Atlantic Initiative, which seeks to open up access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries, thereby promoting their economic development and strengthening their trade ties, which is crucial for a region facing serious economic challenges.
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