Egypt and Morocco Trade Crisis: Egyptian Delegation to Visit Morocco to Resolve Tensions
Amid rising trade tensions, Egypt plans to send a delegation to Morocco to address the ongoing dispute disrupting the flow of Egyptian goods. The visit aims to identify trade barriers, propose solutions, and enhance bilateral cooperation, affected by issues such as quality standards and currency controls, raising concerns among businesses.
hassan benyoub 
Cairo, February 26, 2025 – Amid escalating trade tensions between Egypt and Morocco, Yehia El-Wathiq Bellah, head of Egypt’s Trade Representation Agency, announced that an official Egyptian delegation will soon visit Morocco to address the root causes of the ongoing trade dispute. The crisis, still under investigation by both nations, has disrupted the flow of Egyptian goods into the Moroccan market, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts to find a resolution.
Objectives of the Visit
The upcoming visit aims to achieve the following:
- Identify the Real Causes of Trade Disruptions: Egyptian authorities claim that Moroccan restrictions are hindering the entry of Egyptian products into the Moroccan market, and the delegation seeks to pinpoint the exact reasons behind these barriers Egypt, Morocco trade tensions - Daily News Egypt.
- Propose Practical Solutions: The delegation will explore actionable steps to end the trade crisis, restoring normal commerce between the two nations.
- Strengthen Bilateral Trade Cooperation: The visit aims to reinforce trade ties under the agreed-upon exchange framework, leveraging the Agadir Agreement and past collaborations Egyptian business delegation to visit Morocco - Daily News Egypt.
Background of the Crisis
The trade dispute has intensified since Morocco reportedly blocked Egyptian goods, citing quality standards and Egypt’s alleged failure to fully implement the Agadir Agreement—a free trade pact from 2004 Morocco unofficially blocks Egyptian goods - Hespress. Egypt, in turn, has tightened foreign currency controls, impacting trade flows. Moroccan exports to Egypt remain low, while Egypt exports between $800 million and $900 million annually to Morocco, creating a significant imbalance Egypt-Morocco trade barriers - Trade.gov. The standoff has alarmed businesses on both sides, with 295 Moroccan companies operating in Egypt and annual trade valued at $1.3 billion Egypt, Morocco agree to activate cooperation frameworks - Daily News Egypt.
Will This Visit Unlock a Resolution?
The business community and investors are closely watching this diplomatic move, hopeful for a breakthrough. However, challenges remain, including differing interpretations of trade agreements and unresolved regulatory hurdles. Success could hinge on both nations’ willingness to compromise and restore trust, potentially revitalizing their economic partnership.
