Portuguese Lighting Magazine Issue 26 | Page 51

According to the INE, Morocco was the 13th customer of Portuguese exports of goods in 2023, with a share of 1.3%, occupying the 27th position in terms of imports (0.4%). Over the period 2019-2023 there was an average annual growth in exports of 13.6% and in imports of 25.2%. The trade balance of goods was favorable to our country, having presented a surplus of 555 million euros in 2023.

In the export structure, the highlights in 2022 were Machinery and Equipment (19.8%), Vehicles and Other Transport Materials (17.0%), Plastics and Rubber (10.7%), Cellulose Pulp and Paper (9.6%) and Common Metals (7.1%). The main groups of imported products in 2022 were Vehicles and Other Transport Materials (32.0%), Machinery and Equipment (12.2%), Clothing (11.4%), Agricultural Products (7.2%) and Chemical Products (7.0%).

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

European Union | Morocco Agreements

The EU establishes trade relations with third countries through the conclusion of agreements, which aim to create better trade opportunities and eliminate barriers (tariff and non-tariff) between the parties.

The legal framework for the relationship between Morocco and the EU is currently governed by the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement, in force since 2000, which provides for exemptions/reductions in customs duty rates on imports into Morocco, and by the Agricultural Agreement, in force since 2012, which facilitates transactions in this area. Several lists of sensitive products are foreseen for which annual quotas and customs duties are established.

The websites of the European Commission, European Parliament, Access2Markets, EU Delegation to Morocco provide this and other relevant information on the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement and Morocco's relationship with the EU.

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