Morocco Imposes 40% Duty on Egyptian Canned Tomatoes Amid Dumping Concerns

This decision, following an investigation by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, aims to protect local producers from what is considered unfair competition.

The case began in August 2023, following a complaint filed by the National Federation of Moroccan Agri-Food Industries. Egypt was accused of "dumping" on the Moroccan market with its canned tomato exports. An investigation was opened, revealing that three Moroccan companies, representing 96% of the local market, were suffering direct economic damage.

A first provisional anti-dumping duty of 29.93% had been put in place last May. After consultation with the Import Monitoring Commission, the definitive rate was set at 39.93%. "This last figure has been incorporated into a circular addressed by the customs authorities to the competent services, prompting them to proceed with the collection of customs duties as well as the applicable VAT on canned tomatoes imported from Egypt," says a source close to the case.

This measure is in line with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which authorizes such practices to protect local industries.