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Exporting from the UK to Morocco: A market guide

Overview

Morocco is a stable and increasingly business-friendly country, making big investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and industry, ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Ongoing reforms to the Moroccan economy, growing bilateral trade with the UK, and ambitious infrastructure development plans, make Morocco an exciting market for UK businesses.

Trade statistics

£1.4 billion total UK exports to Morocco for the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2024)

58th largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2024)

0.2% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: October 2024)

Ease of doing business

Morocco is increasingly recognised for ease of doing business. It is the top African investment destination according to the Africa Investment Index 2018. Casablanca Finance City offers support to companies wishing to invest.

Economic growth and reform

Morocco’s economy has benefited from consistent growth and a stable macroeconomic framework. The country came through the turbulent period of the 2011 Arab Spring in relatively good shape. Reforms have stimulated competition, encouraging innovation and creating new jobs.

UK-Morocco association agreement

The UK has signed an association agreement with Morocco. Read our latest updates for more information on the status of this agreement and how it may benefit your business.

Upcoming public procurement opportunities

Investments of an estimated £50B+ will be rolled out in Morocco in the next 5-6 years, within sub-sectors with large potential for UK firms. This includes transportation, water, hospitals and clean energy. Many investments will be accelerated in preparation of the 2030 World Cup in Morocco.

Top five UK goods exported to Morocco , in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

Goods Value (£ million )
Refined oil 236.6
Cars 101.5
Metal ores & scrap 74.8
Crude oil 71.2
Textile fabrics 33.8

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: September 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Morocco.

Top five UK services exported to Morocco , in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024

Service Value (£ million )
Transportation 204.0
Travel 74.0
Other Business Services 52.0
Telecommunications, computer and information services 16.0
Government 11.0

Source: ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2024
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Morocco.

Morocco: at a glance

Economic growth

1.3%

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is 4.1% (IMF, 2022, actual figure)

GDP per capita

$3,570

Actual figure (IMF, 2022)
The UK is $45,461 (IMF, 2022, projected figure)

Currency

Dirham

Business languages

French

Time zone

GMT +1

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Opportunities for exporters

Key opportunities for UK businesses are in infrastructure across hospitals, transport, and stadia. Morocco needs to build or upgrade six stadiums ahead of the World Cup and 2026 African Cup of Nations. There is a strong commitment to sustainability, and recognition of UK expertise and capability in this area.

Check for trade barriers

Trade barriers, such as tariffs or taxes, can raise costs, cause delays, or even stop you from exporting. Check for any issues that may impact your business when exporting.

See current trade barriers

See resolved trade barriers

Check duties and customs

Find information on how to export goods from the UK. View the duties, rules, restrictions, and the documents you need for your products.

See current duties and customs procedures

Doing business in Morocco

Preparing to export

VAT

VAT on imports is 20%. Rates of 7% and 10% apply to some products and services.

Morocco’s local investment development agency provides more information about tax rates in Morocco.

Import regulations

The Moroccan customs authority regulates all goods imported into Morocco.

All imported goods must be cleared with customs whether they are imported by road, air, sea or post. Most products can be imported without an import licence.

Standards and regulations

Moroccan standards are managed by the Moroccan Standards Institute (website in French).

The AMDI (local investment development agency) and Centre Regional d’Investissement can provide detailed information on export regulations.

Intellectual property (IP)

Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial. Rights granted in the UK do not provide protection elsewhere. You should consider getting IP protection abroad if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet.

The Intellectual Property Office’s International IP Service provides practical information to help you protect, manage and enforce your IP abroad. Further support can be accessed through the service’s network of IP attachés. Based in key UK export markets, they provide guidance to British businesses on local IP matters.

Trade barriers

Check for any reported barriers to trading with Morocco.

Report any trade barriers that are affecting your business so we can help fix them.

Operating in Morocco

Business culture

Morocco is seeking a wider range of international partners. Close working relationships are useful for securing business in Morocco. More businesses are liaising in English, although French remains the primary formal language.

Morocco is quieter in July, August and the month of Ramadan. Business continues, but with shorter office hours.

Risks

Morocco has some challenges, include low-level corruption, French-language bureaucracy, a poorly educated workforce and a large informal or 'grey' economy.

Routes to market

Ways to get started in the Moroccan market include:

It’s a good idea to appoint a local representative, even if you export directly.

Next steps

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