This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from Hibapress, the Arabic version:
Heba Press- Abdul Latif Baraka
The French National Assembly is preparing to discuss a new bill on February 6, which raises a general concern among fruit and vegetable exporters, in particular those who direct their exports to the French market. This proposal, which was included on the agenda of the plenary session of the association, strengthens fears which lead to a significant drop in exports of Moroccan agricultural products in France, which threatens economic yields in this vital sector .
Details of the proposal and its dimensions on Moroccan exports
The proposal, which was presented on December 3, 2024, aims to impose “mirror articles” on agricultural products imported from countries outside the European Union.
These articles are expected to help ensure that all imported agricultural products comply with strict French health and environmental standards, which threatens products from countries like Morocco.
The greatest concern is that this law can contribute to the stigma of Moroccan products, in particular the light of discussions centered on “Maghreb Tomatoes”, which raises questions on targeting specific products from Morocco.
Fears of the taxation of additional restrictions on agricultural exports in Morocco, whether in the form of growing control or impose discriminatory signs on Moroccan products in French stores, can lead to a drop in Moroccan market in France.
The role of the proposal in the protection of French farmers
The proposal, led by the republican deputy, Antoine Firmorril Marquise, aims to protect French farmers from competition considered as “unfair”, as it highlights the need to impose additional control of products imported from outside the European Union.
According to the proposal, import companies will be the first person responsible for the assurance of the engagement of these products towards European standards, with sanctions up to 150,000 euros, or the equivalent of 10% of the sales volume companies that violate these regulations.
Economic repercussions on Morocco
Morocco is currently the largest source of fresh vegetables on the European market outside the European Union, because the French market is a major destination for Moroccan exports.
About 58% of agricultural exports in Morocco are directed to European markets, which means that any drop in these exports has serious economic impacts in the Moroccan agricultural sector.
In addition, farmers and exporters of Morocco are faced with other challenges such as previous defamation campaigns, which targeted Moroccan products in French supermarkets, as well as restrictions imposed on border crossings between the two countries.
The introduction of a law that tightens the import control can increase these challenges and exert additional pressure on the sector.
The next steps and future expectations
The French proposal, which will be discussed next February, could have great consequences for the circulation of trade between Morocco and France.
And if the law is approved in its current form, agricultural exports from Morocco to France will witness a significant decrease, which could reorganize commercial cards between the two countries.
The eyes remain tight at the next session, where it will become clear if this proposal will have the final approval and what will be its repercussions on trade relations between Morocco and France and the Moroccan agricultural economy in general.
