The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct an agro-food trade mission to Morocco in early December 2024, presenting opportunities for U.S. agro-food companies to leverage Morocco’s strategic position for broader access to Africa.
USDA’s Alexis Taylor will lead the mission, according to an official statement. U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by August 28.
“This mission is a crucial opportunity for U.S. agro-food businesses to tap into Morocco’s dynamic market and its strategic position for wider access to Africa,” said Taylor.
The USDA highlights opportunities for U.S. exporters in beef, dairy, forage grains, live animals, genetics, rice, seafood, seed potatoes, soybeans, and nuts.
During the mission, U.S. company representatives will hold meetings with potential importers from Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and other West African countries.
They will also receive market insights from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and regional trade experts.
Efforts are underway to update the U.S.-Morocco free trade agreement (FTA), with the eighth joint committee session held last month in Washington.
Moroccan Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour and U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Bryant Trick discussed enhancing trade relations and expanding the FTA’s scope.
Mezzour hailed agriculture’s role in this cooperation, noting that Moroccan agricultural exports to the U.S. are below potential and reiterated demands for market access for processed poultry and fruits and vegetables.
Morocco is the second-largest U.S. agricultural export market in Africa.
Last year, U.S. agricultural and food product sales to Morocco reached 619 Mln dollars, representing 16% of the continent’s market share.
U.S. agricultural exports to Morocco have doubled since the U.S.-Morocco FTA took effect in 2006.
Morocco, a major importer of bulk and intermediate products from the U.S., has a growing food processing sector and increasing consumer demand, creating new sales potential for consumer products.