Revisiting the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement after 20 Years

A recent report from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy delves into the impacts of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) two decades after its inception. Despite high hopes for economic growth, the report reveals that the agreement has not met expectations.

Highlighting a persistent trade imbalance and the limited economic gains realized, the report points out that Morocco’s trade deficit with the U.S. has increased significantly over the years. While bilateral trade has quadrupled since MAFTA’s implementation, the agreement has not yielded the anticipated growth in traditional Moroccan exports, particularly textiles.

With Morocco looking to diversify its trading partners and reduce reliance on Europe, and American producers eyeing opportunities in the North African market, the report suggests that political and strategic interests have driven the agreement’s success more than economic benefits.

Despite some gains in sectors like fertilizers, challenges such as language barriers in the service sector have hindered deeper trade relations. As both countries navigate these complexities, the future of U.S.-Morocco trade remains a nuanced and evolving landscape.