Increase in Trade Between Morocco and Britain by 19%
The volume of trade between Morocco and Britain has seen a notable rise, amounting to £4.6 billion from June 2024 to June of this year, which translates to over $6 billion, reflecting an annual increase of 18.8%, according to data from the British Ministry of Trade and Business.
The ministry, in a written response to a parliamentary question in the House of Commons, indicated that bilateral trade has been continuously growing since the partnership agreement between the two countries came into effect in 2021. This agreement serves as a supportive framework for enhancing commercial cooperation, alongside bolstering political, economic, and social partnerships between Rabat and London.
In a response signed by Chris Bryant, the British Minister of State for Trade and Business, it was noted that the two countries held the third meeting of the Partnership Council on November 12 last year, where commitments to deepen cooperation in trade and investment were reiterated, as well as to enhance partnership in education, renewable energies, and security. This aligns with the new dynamic characterizing bilateral relations following the strategic dialogue held between the two nations in June.
Regarding the review of tariffs imposed on agricultural products, the British Ministry of Trade and Business stated that negotiations with Morocco are still ongoing, with expectations of reaching an agreement that serves the interests of both parties.
The British government previously confirmed in December that negotiations with Morocco concerning customs duties on agricultural products are in progress, noting that expanding access for tomatoes to the British market is a priority for Morocco. This is part of discussions that encompass several products, aiming for any final agreement to benefit businesses and consumers in Britain.
According to official British figures, the total trade in goods and services between the two countries in 2024 reached approximately £4.2 billion, equivalent to about $5.7 billion, marking an annual increase of over $813 million.
Moroccan-British relations have developed rapidly since the signing of the strategic partnership agreement in 2021, following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. This transition has evolved from traditional cooperation to a more advanced and comprehensive partnership, politically and diplomatically highlighted by London’s support for the autonomy plan in Western Sahara as the most serious, credible, and viable solution to resolve the regional conflict over the southern provinces of the kingdom.
