Global trade remained stable at the beginning of 2025. However, the rise of geoeconomic tensions, protectionist policies, and trade disputes suggests potential disruptions ahead, according to the Global Trade Update report published by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), based on data available through early March 2025.
Can Morocco leverage Trump’s trade tensions as an economic advantage? The Kingdom actively participates in UNCTAD’s initiatives to foster better integration of developing countries into the global economy.
According to Allianz Trade, Morocco’s foreign policy aligns closely with that of Donald Trump’s administration. Additionally, its increasingly diversified economy and growing manufacturing hub for the EU—already a key automotive supplier to Europe—serve as significant advantages. The country also benefits from additional production potential in phosphates and fossil fuels.
As part of its efforts to strengthen its presence in the global economic landscape, Morocco remains committed to fulfilling its contractual obligations to multilateral organizations, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in its trade policy review of the country.
To this end, Morocco remains committed to a fair and equitable multilateral trading system based on transparent rules and fundamental principles that guide nations’ trade policies. Regional and bilateral trade cooperation is viewed as complementary to multilateral cooperation, helping to reinforce global trade development and openness.
In this regard, Morocco has established a legal framework over the past decade to enhance its commercial relations with key strategic partners, as highlighted by the WTO. With twelve free trade agreements, the Kingdom provides market access to nearly 100 countries worldwide, covering a consumer base of approximately 2.5 billion people.
Business Climate and Investment
Through its trade policies and the establishment of a business-friendly environment, Morocco has successfully advanced its economic openness, according to the WTO. This has been achieved by strengthening regional and multilateral cooperation and streamlining foreign trade procedures. Additionally, Morocco has focused on enhancing transparency, governance, and the implementation of a new Investment Charter.
The country’s sustained infrastructure development and structural reforms have been accompanied by the deployment of innovative sectoral policies. The impact of these initiatives on growth, employment, and socio-economic indicators is becoming increasingly evident. This is all part of a forward-looking approach that enables Morocco to navigate a new trajectory of economic development.
Fatim-Zahra TOHRY
