Posted on August, 16, 2024 at 10:19 am
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Aug. 14 it is planning an agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca, Morocco, in early December.
Alexis Taylor, undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, will lead the trade mission. Current and potential US exporters interested in participating should apply for consideration by Aug. 28.
“This mission presents a pivotal opportunity for US agribusinesses to tap into Morocco’s dynamic market and leverage its strategic position for wider African access,” Taylor said. “We are committed to facilitating these vital connections and expanding US agricultural exports.”
Morocco is the second-largest export market for US agriculture in Africa. US sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year, representing 16% of the continent’s market share. Agricultural exports from the United States to Morocco have doubled since the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement began in 2006.
The country is already a major importer of bulk and intermediate commodities from the United States and its expanding food processing sector and rising consumer demand are creating new potential for sales of consumer-oriented products, the USDA said. It said exporters have opportunities in numerous sectors, including beef and beef products, dairy products, feed grains, live animals and genetics, rice, seafood, seed potatoes, soybeans and tree nuts.
During the trade mission, representatives from US companies will participate in business-to-business meetings with potential importers from Morocco, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and other West African nations. Participants also will receive in-depth market briefings from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service staff and other regional trade experts.
Source: World Grain