Under President Donald Trump’s renewed administration, the strategic partnership between the United States and Morocco is undergoing a subtle but significant transformation. At the heart of this evolution is a firm shift toward economic cooperation, with trade, investment, and market expansion defining the new tone of bilateral relations.
The Trump administration’s recent announcement of a new 10% general tariff on imports to the U.S. spared Morocco from the harshest penalties. While countries like China, the EU, Algeria, and Tunisia were hit with duties ranging from 20% to 34%, Morocco faces only the minimum rate of 10%. This favorable treatment highlights Morocco’s unique position, partly due to its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S.—a distinction it shares only with Jordan among Arab nations.
Although Moroccan exporters will need to adapt, the low tariff reinforces the notion of a privileged economic rapport. This dynamic was further confirmed with the appointment of Duke Buchan III as the U.S. ambassador to Morocco. A close ally of Trump and a prominent financier with a background in Wall Street banking, real estate, and private equity, Buchan embodies a “business-first” philosophy that aligns closely with the administration’s strategic goals. His economic credentials and political ties reflect Washington’s intent to make Morocco a focal point for American trade and investment in Africa.
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This intent will be clearly showcased in May 2025, when a large American trade delegation will visit Morocco. Representing over 15 U.S. states and various federal agencies, the mission will aim to explore partnerships in sectors like agri-food and high-value exports. Moroccan Ambassador to the U.S., Youssef Amrani, emphasized that this visit reflects the growing commitment between the two countries to deepen investment ties and promote mutually beneficial projects.
Meanwhile, Morocco is actively pursuing diplomatic and economic initiatives in the U.S. In early March, Amina Benkhadra, Director General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, presented the progress of the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline Project in Washington. Soon after, Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali visited Houston to discuss Morocco’s energy strategy. Minister Delegate for Digital Transition Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni also engaged with top U.S. AI policy experts to outline Morocco’s Digital 2030 strategy.
These engagements reinforce a broader strategy: positioning Morocco as a reliable and innovative economic partner for the U.S., with an eye toward expanding the 20-year-old FTA. Trade figures confirm this momentum. In 2024, Moroccan imports of American goods rose by 37.3% to $5.3 billion, while exports to the U.S. increased by 12.3% to $1.9 billion—although they still represent only 3% of Morocco’s total exports.
Militarily, Morocco remains a key U.S. ally outside NATO. The country recently received its first batch of AH-64E Apache helicopters, with more expected, and discussions are ongoing to acquire the Patriot air defense system. Morocco also hosts “African Lion,” the largest U.S.-led military exercise on the continent.
On the political front, the Trump administration appears poised to resume its stance on the Western Sahara. Having formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the territory in December 2020, Trump may now take further steps—such as establishing a physical U.S. consulate in Dakhla or advocating for the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces (MINURSO), which are now viewed by some U.S. think tanks as obsolete.
With trade, defense, and diplomacy converging, the U.S.-Morocco partnership is clearly entering a new phase—one where mutual economic interests align closely with strategic geopolitical considerations.
This article is originally published on le360.
