Morocco Joins Boycott of Turkish Goods

Turkish companies report that they have faced new challenges exporting clothing to North African countries in recent weeks. Specifically, they noted that Morocco has introduced a change in its agreement with Turkey by increasing the import tax on these goods by 90%, as reported by Reuters.

According to the news agency, garment exporters have repeatedly complained about unusual requirements regarding documentation, as well as delays in customs clearance in Morocco and Algeria. The trade ministries of Morocco and Algeria have yet to comment on this information. Reuters has not been able to determine the cause of the delays.

These complaints from Turkish exporters come at a time when garment producers in North Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe are trying to take advantage of disruptions in global supply chains caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Major European brands are seeking alternative production hubs, such as Turkey and Morocco, which are closer than China.

Concerned that the 2004 trade agreement with Turkey is harming its producers and retailers, the Moroccan government has announced trade negotiations with Ankara that have resulted in changes to the contract in August. A source from the trade ministry has reported that this change allows for a 90% increase in import taxes on 1,200 types of goods, including textiles and clothing, for five years.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has declined to comment on this information.