US trade mission to visit Morocco, boosting agri-food exports

Tuesday 25 March 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

US trade mission to visit Morocco, boosting agri-food exports

A significant US trade mission is set to arrive in Morocco in May 2025, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two nations in the agri-food export sector. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties.

Morocco’s ambassador to the US, Youssef Amrani, announced the mission via social media platform X, highlighting the participation of over 15 U.S. states alongside federal agencies. The focus of this mission is to expand agri-food export opportunities, a sector deemed vital to Morocco’s economic landscape.

The agri-food industry in Morocco generates more than $17 billion annually and is responsible for creating over 161,000 jobs. According to the Ministry of Industry, this sector employs 21% of the industrial workforce and contributes 24% of industrial added value, accounting for 23% of the total industry turnover. The diverse nature of the agri-food sector meets the needs of Moroccan consumers, encompassing activities from the initial processing of agricultural and fishery products to their complete transformation.

The ministry further noted that the sector is increasingly appealing to foreign direct investment, reflecting its importance within the national economy.

Morocco enjoys a robust diplomatic relationship with the US, which extends into various sectors, including agriculture. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed on June 15, 2004, became effective on January 1, 2006. Since the agreement’s implementation, US trade with Morocco has seen significant growth, with the trade surplus rising to $3.4 billion by 2024. In 2024 alone, US exports to Morocco reached $5.3 billion—a 37.3% increase from the prior year—making Morocco the 46th largest export market for US goods. Furthermore, US imports from Morocco totaled $1.9 billion, reflecting a 12.3% increase compared to 2023.