The USMFTA entered into force in 2006. This agreement is the only U.S. FTA on the continent of Africa. The USMFTA is comprehensive and includes chapters detailing commitments on intellectual property rights, labor, and environmental protection.
Morocco has committed to make its business environment more transparent and open to international companies by providing companies with an efficient, legal framework and secure working environment. The U.S. and Moroccan governments have agreed to publish their current trade and investment laws, as well as any proposed legislation in advance. Bribery of any form is outlawed, whistle-blowers are granted protection, and U.S. companies enjoy the same rights as Moroccan companies when investing in the country.
The USMFTA also works to uphold labor and environmental standards. The full text of the agreement can be viewed here: Final Text | United States Trade Representative (ustr.gov).
Morocco has preferential trade agreements with 62 countries. The EU-Morocco Association Agreement, which covers industrial goods, entered into force on March 1, 2000, and applies to EU companies located in Morocco. The agreement called for the gradual elimination of tariffs on EU-Moroccan trade in industrial goods over 12 years and provides duty-free access for limited quantities of some agricultural products, especially seafood products, fruits, and vegetables. In October 2008, Morocco gained “advanced status,” which allows both parties to consider a comprehensive free trade agreement. Negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) between the European Union and Morocco were launched March 1, 2013 and are ongoing.
Morocco has also begun FTA negotiations with Canada and several West African states. The Moroccan government council adopted a bill ratifying the agreement to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on February 22, 2019. The goal is to establish a single market for goods and services across 54 countries, allow the free movement of business travelers and investments, and create a continental customs union to streamline trade and attract long-term investment. The agreement is seen as critical for growth and job creation for Africa and its 1.27 billion people. Start of trading under the AfCFTA Agreement began on 1 January 2021. Morocco has yet to ratify the agreement. Morocco also applied to join the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on February 24, 2017. In November 2017 Morocco began negotiations with the South American trading bloc Mercosur to establish a free trade area. Morocco has yet to secure entry in either trade bloc.
Resources
US Morocco Free Trade Agreement Website
Office of the United States Trade Representative: US Morocco FTA
For information on FTA partner countries, including how to take advantage of an FTA, please refer to the FTA Help Center.