Morocco, UK sign deal to maintain post-Brexit trade flow

Morocco and the UK signed an association agreement that would ensure the continuity of the current trade terms under the EU-Morocco free trade agreement without additional tariff barriers.

This agreement, also called continuity agreement, was signed in London Saturday by Morocco’s foreign minister Nasser Bourita and UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Andrew Murrison.

The deal replicates the effects of the existing EU-Morocco Association Agreement, both the trade related aspects and the broad scope of the political and cooperation provisions, to ensure continuity in the trading and wider bilateral relationship between Morocco and the UK.

Bourita said at the signing ceremony that the deal aims at maintaining trade momentum with the UK after its exit from the EU.

The deal ensures the continuity of trade flows unhindered between the two countries and covers all Moroccan territories including the Sahara.

“Morocco is satisfied with this agreement which is consistent with the position of Morocco and which respects its interests”, Bourita said.

The two countries have also signed a political declaration, in addition to an exchange of letters on an understanding on dispute settlement and a mutual agreement on the access of all the Moroccan products, including those from the Moroccan Sahara region, to the UK market.

Highlighting the eight-centuries old diplomatic ties between the two kingdoms, the UK minister said the deal builds on the UK’s deep cultural, political and economic ties with Morocco.

“Importantly, the Agreement will give exporters and consumers the certainty they need to continue trading freely and in confidence as the UK prepares to leave the EU,” he said.

“The agreement signed with Morocco today will help provide certainty for businesses, ensuring they can continue to trade on the same terms with our Moroccan partners. On my recent visit to Morocco, I witnessed first-hand the many opportunities available to UK and Moroccan firms to advance our trade together,” Minister of State for Trade Policy, Conor Burns on his part said.

The Agreement provides a framework for policy dialogue and to strengthen cooperation on important issues like trade, educational and environmental matters

Trade between the UK and Morocco totaled £2.5 billion in 2018.