Morocco and US bolster trade security with new container security agreement

Friday 20 June 2025 - 17:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco and US bolster trade security with new container security agreement

Morocco and the United States have strengthened their customs cooperation by signing a new bilateral Container Security Initiative (CSI) agreement in Rabat. This initiative aims to enhance cargo security while facilitating the increasing volume of trade between the two nations.

The agreement, which expands the CSI program, was signed on Tuesday in the presence of senior officials from Morocco Customs (ADII), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the US Embassy in Rabat. Tanger Med, Africa’s largest port, and Casablanca, Morocco’s key commercial hub, will be the focal points of this enhanced collaboration.

Donald Conroy, Executive Director of the Office of Field Operations at CBP, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “Today’s signing marks not just the expansion of the CSI program, but the strengthening of a partnership rooted in trust, innovation, and a shared responsibility to protect our global community.”

The CSI program, initiated in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks, is a proactive measure designed to identify and inspect high-risk maritime cargo containers at foreign ports before shipping to the United States. By leveraging advanced technology and intelligence, the initiative aims to neutralize potential threats and ensure the integrity of global supply chains.

Abdellatif Amrani, Director General of Morocco’s Customs and Excise Administration, underscored Morocco’s commitment to balancing security with trade facilitation. “With this accession, we reaffirm our dedication to harmonizing security with the seamless flow of trade, solidifying Tanger Med’s position as a secure, world-class maritime hub,” he said.

The new agreement builds on the 2013 Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement, which established a legal framework for exchanging information and evidence to combat customs violations. It also integrates Tanger Med into a network of CSI-certified Mediterranean ports, including Algeciras (Spain), Marseille (France), and Gioia Tauro (Italy).

US Chargé d’Affaires Aimee Cutrona described the agreement as a “significant milestone” in the Morocco-US partnership, emphasizing its role in securing global supply chains and promoting economic prosperity.

This agreement highlights the shared commitment of both countries to using predictive analysis and intelligence in targeting high-risk cargo, protecting their citizens, and supporting the seamless flow of international trade.