UR Global and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Morocco analyze the keys to internationalization and the advantageous Moroccan tariff scenario for companies.

On 22 May 2025 Thursday, The Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Morocco – Tangier-Nador-Kenitra, in a strategic collaboration with the consulting firm UR Global, organized a revealing Breakfast-Discussion under the motto: "UR GLOBAL KNOCKS ON AFRICA'S DOOR: CHALLENGES AND KEYS TO THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF COMPANIESThe meeting brought together a committed audience of business leaders, institutional representatives, and professionals with a strong interest in expanding their businesses internationally.

 

The day was opened by the Mrs. Amal Boussouf, Director of the Chamber, who in her welcoming remarks highlighted the importance of "build concrete bridges between the economic actors of Spain and Morocco". His intervention laid the groundwork for a fruitful discussion on the synergies between the two markets.

 

The most relevant moment of the morning came with the presentation of the Mr. Luis M. Uranga, Director and founder of UR Global. Uranga offered a clear and practical analysis of the challenges of internationalization in Morocco, sharing crucial tools with attendees, identifying key challenges, and presenting essential best practices for achieving success in this strategic North African market.

 

During the colloquium, various topics were discussed in depth: key points for internationalizationAs well as fundamental aspects to take into account during the complex process to take a company beyond its borders.

 

A topic that arose special interest It was the analysis of the growing regulatory change in Europe and, in particular, the policy of customs tariffs imposed by the United States and how this situation could significantly benefit Morocco. In this context, it was highlighted that the Maghreb country has managed to maintain preferential treatment from the US, with a 10% tariff, the lowest possible in the current tariff escalation. This figure contrasts markedly with the 20% for the European Union, 28% for Tunisia, and 30% for Algeria. This competitive advantage positions Morocco as a "tariff island of stability amid global chaos", a privileged status resulting from good diplomatic relations and the US trade deficit with the Alawite kingdom. Experts believe that this factor could attract a increased foreign investment and consolidate Morocco as an industrial and manufacturing hub for companies seeking to reduce their exposure to markets hit hardest by U.S. tariffs.

 

In addition, the question was raised triangulation through Morocco as a viable strategy for European companies. They could benefit from the tariff exemptions provided for in the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA), provided they comply with the strict rules of origin. A specialized analysis cited during the event indicated:The current situation calls for a revisit to existing trade agreements: goods produced or processed by a Moroccan subsidiary of a European company would benefit from the tariff exemptions provided for in the FTA in their access to the North American market.".

 

However, the following were also addressed: existing tensions in the trade relationship between Morocco and the EUIt was noted that Morocco applies high tariffs, which can reach up to 200%, to certain Spanish exports, especially in the agri-food sector, while most European tariffs on Moroccan products remain below 30%. This disparity has revived the debate about fairness in bilateral trade relations.

 

 

The event, which also included the presentation of practical cases, was valued by the attendees as a excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and for the generation of new networking opportunities in an environment that was described as dynamic and cordial.