Casablanca – As global trade patterns evolve and geopolitical balances shift, Morocco has emerged as a significant economic partner for the United States. The relationship, once defined primarily by diplomatic cooperation, is increasingly shaped by agricultural exports, trade diversification, and shared strategic interests. Recent data highlights Morocco’s growing role in supplying the U.S. market with fresh and processed fruits, while broader political and economic dynamics reinforce the partnership’s long-term importance.

Rising agricultural exports

Morocco’s agricultural sector has become a cornerstone of its economic relationship with the United States. According to recent analyses by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Moroccan exports of canned olives and citrus fruits have grown substantially in recent years. This expansion is partly due to shifts in U.S. import patterns following trade measures against Spanish olives in 2019–2020. With Spain’s share of the American market declining, Morocco, alongside Egypt and Portugal, has stepped in to fill the gap.

• Olives: Morocco has positioned itself as one of the leading suppliers of canned olives to the U.S. market. Its olive industry, supported by consistent production capacity, has become a reliable source for American importers.
• Citrus fruits: The country now accounts for roughly 30% of U.S. citrus imports, particularly mandarins and clementines. This places Morocco among the top three suppliers, alongside Chile and Peru. The U.S. has recorded record volumes of clementine imports, underscoring its growing dependence on foreign producers, with Morocco playing a central role.
• Grapes: Though less dominant, Morocco has also entered the U.S. table grape market, listed among “other imports” alongside South Africa, Italy, Brazil, and New Zealand. This diversification reflects Morocco’s broader strategy of expanding its agricultural footprint.

European expansion as a complementary strategy

While the U.S. market is increasingly important, Morocco has also strengthened its agricultural exports to Europe. In 2025, Moroccan shipments of fresh sweet corn to Germany reached unprecedented levels, surpassing 2,000 tons in the first nine months of the year. This achievement signals Morocco’s ability to adapt to shifting European demand and diversify its export destinations. Germany is now poised to become one of Morocco’s top three markets for sweet corn, further consolidating the country’s position in global agricultural trade.

U.S. dependence on imports

The rise of Moroccan exports must be understood within the broader context of American agriculture. Production declines in key regions such as California and Florida—driven by climate change, water scarcity, and plant health challenges—have increased U.S. reliance on imports. Morocco’s ability to supply complementary and off-season products makes it a valuable partner in ensuring year-round availability of fresh produce. This dynamic has elevated Morocco’s role from a secondary supplier to a strategic player in the U.S. food supply chain.

Beyond agriculture: strategic partnership

The economic relationship between Morocco and the United States is reinforced by a broader strategic alignment. American recognition of Morocco’s autonomy initiative in the Sahara reflects trust in Rabat as a stabilizing force in North Africa. This political support has strengthened Morocco’s credibility as a partner, distinguishing it from other regional actors whose ties with Washington remain limited or transactional.

Morocco has leveraged its political stability, economic openness, and reform agenda to build durable connections in Washington. Its diplomacy has reached beyond traditional government channels, engaging with Congress, think tanks, and the executive branch. This multifaceted approach has elevated Morocco from a regional partner to a strategic interlocutor whose voice carries weight in U.S. policymaking circles.

Shared interests and values

The partnership also rests on shared priorities. Counterterrorism cooperation, regional security, investment in Sub-Saharan Africa, and energy transition are areas where Moroccan and American interests converge. Morocco’s proactive diplomacy and institutional engagement have allowed it to align with U.S. objectives, reinforcing the perception of Rabat as a reliable ally.

This convergence of values and interests has practical economic implications. By positioning itself as a stable and reform-oriented country, Morocco has attracted favorable trade treatment and diversified its exports. In contrast, other regional suppliers, such as Algeria, have struggled to build balanced economic frameworks with Washington, limiting their ability to transform energy dependence into strategic leverage.

Outlook

The trajectory of Morocco-U.S. economic relations suggests continued growth and diversification. Morocco’s agricultural exports are likely to expand further, supported by rising demand in the U.S. and Europe. At the same time, the strategic partnership between the two countries provides a stable foundation for broader cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure investment, and regional development.

For the United States, Morocco offers both practical benefits—reliable agricultural supplies—and strategic advantages, serving as a pillar of stability in a volatile region. For Morocco, the partnership provides access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and strengthens its international standing.

The Morocco-U.S. relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that combines economic opportunity with strategic alignment. Agriculture may be the most visible driver today, but the underlying trust and shared vision ensure that the partnership extends far beyond trade. As global challenges reshape supply chains and geopolitical alliances, Morocco’s role as a strategic partner to the United States is likely to deepen, marking a new chapter in transatlantic cooperation.