Rabat – A major US trade mission is expected to visit Morocco in May this year, to boost cooperation between the two countries in the agri-food export sector.
Morocco’s ambassador to the US Youssef Amrani announced the news on his X.
“More than 15 U.S. states, along with federal agencies, are leading this mission, which aims to enhance agri-food export opportunities and underscores the shared commitment to deepening trade and investment ties with the Kingdom,” he said.
Morocco’s government considers agri-food as a key sector that contributes to the country’s economy.
The sector generates over $17 billion in annual revenue and creates over 161,000 jobs.
According to Morocco’s industry ministry, the agri-food sector is a key contributor to Morocco’s economy, employing 21% of the industrial force.
It also contributes 24% of industrial added value, generating 23% of industry turnover.
“The Agri-food industry is a highly diversified sector with activities that meet the needs of Moroccan consumers and provide a wide range of food products,” the ministry said, noting that the sector covers phases from initial processing of agricultural and fishery products to their complete transformation.
The sector is also attractive for foreign direct investment, the ministry noted.
Morocco and the US share good diplomatic ties, which are also reflected in other sectors like agriculture.
Morocco and the US signed the FTA on June 15, 2004. It wasn’t until January 1, 2006, that the agreement came into force.
Just a year before the agreement’s implementation, US trade was valued at around $35 million. Since then, the surplus has risen to $3.4 billion by 2024.
US goods exports to Morocco in 2024 reached $5.3 billion in value, representing a 37.3% rise from the previous year.
This makes Morocco the 46th largest export market for US goods.
Additionally, US imports from Morocco reached $1.9 billion, representing a 12.3% increase from 2023.
