According to reports from Moroccan media and international trade sources, the United States is preparing to lift trade barriers on phosphate imports from Morocco. This move is seen as a strategic victory for the OCP Group, the state-owned phosphate and fertilizer giant, and for the Kingdom of Morocco.
The decision follows years of negotiations and legal challenges. In 2021, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) had imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizers, arguing that OCP benefited from unfair subsidies. However, recent diplomatic and commercial efforts have led to a shift in US policy.
OCP Group, which controls about 70% of the world's phosphate reserves, has been expanding its presence in the US market. The removal of barriers is expected to boost OCP's exports of phosphate and fertilizers to the United States, strengthening bilateral trade ties between Rabat and Washington.
Analysts note that this development also has geopolitical implications, as Morocco seeks to deepen its strategic partnership with the US, particularly in the context of the Western Sahara dispute. The US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2020, a position that has facilitated closer economic cooperation.
As of May 2026, no official statement has been released by the US Trade Representative or the Department of Commerce. However, sources close to the matter indicate that the final decision could be announced within weeks.
