Morocco to Impose 30% Duty on Egyptian Canned Tomatoes in Anti-Dumping Move

This decision follows investigations carried out by the ministry which revealed the existence of dumping, i.e. the sale of products at a price lower than their normal value, thus causing significant damage to Moroccan producers. The investigators notably noted a significant increase in imports of Egyptian canned tomatoes, accompanied by a drop in prices on the local market.

To support its conclusions, the ministry relied on data collected from large-scale distribution in Morocco and Egypt. It was thus able to compare the prices charged in the two countries and calculate the margin of dumping, which amounts to nearly 30%. Faced with this finding, the Moroccan authorities have decided to take measures to protect their domestic industry.

The investigation also highlighted the negative consequences of these low-priced imports on Moroccan producers. Decline in market share, stagnation of employment, and poor profitability: the sector is in difficulty. The ministry therefore considered that the causal link between the dumping practiced by Egypt and the difficulties encountered by Moroccan producers was clearly established.

This case of dumping on canned tomatoes is not an isolated case. Morocco has recently launched a similar investigation concerning insulin imported from Denmark, following a complaint filed by the company Sothema, the only national manufacturer of this drug.