Exporting guide to

Morocco

Overview

Morocco is a politically stable, business-friendly country. Though its economy has traditionally been more aligned to Europe than to Africa, Morocco is increasingly taking advantage of opportunities across the African continent. This opening up of the Moroccan economy is creating further opportunities for UK firms.

Trade statistics

£1.2 billion total UK exports to Morocco for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

59th largest UK export market

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

0.1% of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

(Source: ONS UK total trade: all countries, seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023)

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.

Top five UK goods exported to Morocco, in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023

Goods Value (£million)
Refined oil 260.3
Metal ores & scrap 115.8
Cars 82.8
Gas 53.4
Mechanical power generators (intermediate) 31.7

Source: ONS Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports
Last updated: July 2023
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 2023

Service Value (£million)
Transportation 206.0
Travel 62.0
Other Business Services 14.0
Telecommunications, computer and information services 10.0
Government 5.0

Source: ONS UK trade in services: service type by partner country, non-seasonally adjusted
Last updated: July 2023
Download the latest trade and investment factsheet for Morocco.

Morocco: at a glance

Economic growth

7.9%

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is 7.6% (IMF, 2021, actual figure)

GDP per capita

$3,934

Actual figure (IMF, 2021)
The UK is $46,422 (IMF, 2021, projected figure)

Currency

Dirham

Business languages

French

Time zone

GMT +1

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Opportunities for exporters

There are opportunities in Morocco for UK businesses in education, energy (both hydrocarbons and renewables), infrastructure, and financial and professional services. There is also potential in Morocco’s defence, creative industries, healthcare and mining sectors.

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

Although more business people can now speak and read English, correspondence and literature should be in French.

Morocco is quieter in July, August and the month of Ramadan. Business will still continue, 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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