Morocco Poised to Attract Chinese Battery Makers as Trump Eyes Trade Restrictions

The return to power of Donald Trump marks a major turning point in Moroccan-American relations. Morocco is expecting a lot from the new US president, who had recognized the kingdom’s sovereignty over the Sahara at the end of his first term. During a telephone exchange on January 27, Marco Rubio, the new US Secretary of State, and Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to strengthen their trade exchanges, reports Le Monde.

This warming of relations between Rabat and Washington comes in a particular context, marked by a rapprochement between the kingdom and China, analyzes the French media, recalling that Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Casablanca last November. In contrast, Donald Trump had not made a state visit to Morocco during his previous term, notes the publication, which highlights the economic rivalry between China and the United States in light of Chinese investments in the kingdom.

Obviously, these Chinese investments in Morocco are not viewed favorably by Washington. Marco Rubio made this known to his Moroccan counterpart during the January 27 telephone exchange, according to the French media. Due to its strategic geographical position with Europe, Morocco is attracting Chinese companies specializing in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles.

Last June, the Moroccan government announced the construction by Gotion, a Chinese giant in the sector, of a mega-factory in Morocco for an investment of 12.8 billion dirhams ($1.3 billion). With an initial capacity of 20 gigawatt-hours, the unit is expected to start operations by 2026. A month earlier, Hailiang and Shenzhen, two Chinese companies specializing in the manufacture of copper and anodes, essential elements of electric car batteries, had announced their intention to set up in Morocco.