Morocco has implemented new anti-dumping measures targeting imports of Chinese plywood and galvanized wires from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. The new duties aim to protect the national market from imports that have been found to violate competition conditions. As of now, importers are required to pay a final duty of 76% on Chinese plywood imports. This decision was made by the Minister of Industry and Trade and the Minister of Economy and Finance to review and extend the application period until August 28, 2027.
The new duty on Chinese plywood imports will not apply to all types of plywood. Certain panels made 100% from white birch wood (Betula pendula) with a thickness between 12 and 18 millimeters are exempt, provided they meet specific technical specifications. These specifications include a density between 680 and 730 kilograms per cubic meter, and each wood chip must be no thicker than 1.4 millimeters. To benefit from this exemption, imports must be accompanied by an invoice certified by the government agency responsible for industry.
Morocco has also expanded its trade protection measures to include galvanized wires from Egypt and the UAE. The country has moved from imposing a temporary anti-dumping duty for four months to adopting a final duty that will last for five years. This provides a more permanent and impactful measure on the conditions for importing these products. For UAE-origin imports, different rates have been set depending on the producers and exporters.
The final duty on galvanized wires from the UAE will be 18.44% for products from Al Khaleej Steel Industries, while other producers and exporters in the UAE will be subject to a rate of 52.71%. Egyptian galvanized wires will be subject to a final anti-dumping duty of 46%, affecting products from The Egyptian Union for Wires – MAFO, as well as other Egyptian producers and exporters.
These new duties will significantly change the cost equation for importers of the targeted products, given the high rates adopted, particularly for Chinese plywood and certain types of UAE and Egyptian galvanized wires. However, the exception system allows for the continued importation of specific types of Chinese plywood, provided they meet the prescribed technical and administrative conditions.
The measures are part of Morocco's efforts to enhance its trade defense mechanisms and protect its national market. The country has been actively reviewing its trade policies to ensure a level playing field for domestic producers. The new duties are expected to have a significant impact on the importation of these products and may lead to changes in the market dynamics.
The implementation of these new duties is seen as a move to safeguard Morocco's domestic industries and ensure fair competition. The country's trade authorities have been working to address concerns about unfair trade practices and protect domestic producers from the adverse effects of cheap imports. The new measures are expected to provide relief to domestic producers and help maintain a stable market environment.
Key points
- Morocco imposes new anti-dumping duties on Chinese plywood and Egyptian, UAE galvanized wires.
- The duties aim to protect Morocco's national market from unfair imports.
- The measures are part of Morocco's efforts to enhance its trade defense mechanisms.
