The president, the sultan and a global trade war: What now for Morocco and the US?

Amid the global uncertainty of tariffs, trade wars and shifting geopolitical alliances, one thing is for certain: Morocco remains a key strategic partner for the US in Africa.

Donald Trump’s first term as president was notable for the US recognition in 2020 of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Early in his second term, this commitment was reaffirmed by his secretary of state, Marco Rubio. During a recent meeting with the Moroccan foreign minister, Nasser Bourita, Rubio reiterated that Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal for Western Sahara was “serious, credible (and) the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute.”

This is the latest iteration in a centuries-old strategic bilateral partnership. Morocco and the US have maintained strong relations, rooted in mutual interests, for more than two centuries. Sultan Sidi Mohammed bin Abdullah initiated the friendship in the 18th century when Morocco became the first country to recognize the newly independent United States by announcing that all US-flagged vessels could freely enter Moroccan ports.

Commercial and diplomatic relations between the two countries commenced in 1786 with the signing of the Moroccan-American Treaty of Peace and Friendship. The strong relationship that ensued led to the establishment of a US diplomatic mission, which was housed within the stunning Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies for nearly 150 years. Notably, this was the first American government property in another country.

The strength of this bilateral relationship was evident throughout the 20th century. During the Second World War, Morocco became a key location for Operation Torch and the Casablanca Conference, which were part of the Allied efforts to prevent the spread of Axis influence in North Africa.

The US also supported Moroccan independence from France, laying the groundwork for future ties. After Morocco gained its independence in 1956, the US swiftly recognized the new state and deepened existing diplomatic, security and economic cooperation.

Morocco has long been a favored investment destination for the US

Zaid M. Belbagi

During the Cold War, Morocco was officially nonaligned but effectively served as a reliable American ally against the spread of communism in North Africa. King Hassan II played a moderate role in Arab politics and fostered close relations with Washington during this period. Morocco allowed American forces transit and access rights to Moroccan air bases, and the Kingdom received more than $400 million in US aid between 1957 and 1963.

For decades, through its economic and military aid, the US indirectly supported Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara.

Building on this strong foundation, the bilateral relationship continued to evolve in the late 20th century with a focus on diplomatic and counterterrorism cooperation. This period was marked by several notable, high-level visits such as King Mohammed V’s meeting in Washington with President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957, and Vice President Richard Nixon’s visit to Morocco the same year. The next monarch of Morocco, King Hassan II, visited six American presidents during his reign.

Morocco became a natural partner for peace and prosperity for the US, given the country’s position as a gateway to Africa and the Middle East, its proximity to Europe, and its domestic stability.

In recognition of Morocco’s commitment to regional stability and security, in 2004 the US designated the country a major non-NATO ally. Decades-old bilateral counterterrorism cooperation includes intelligence sharing, regional security initiatives such as the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership, and joint military exercises such as the annual African Lion. Morocco’s efforts to tackle radicalization and violent extremism align with American goals in the region.

Economic and trade relations are another cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, with a free trade agreement signed in 2006 to mark these ties. The two countries exchanged more than $7 billion in trade in 2024, a 37 percent increase over the previous year. Fertilizers, vehicles and agricultural products are among the main traded items.

Trump’s recent tariffs announcement imposed a 10 percent baseline tariff on Morocco. Though a challenge for bilateral trade, it was one of the lowest rates in North Africa and might allow Morocco to find growth opportunities while other partners in the region, and in Asia, are facing significantly higher tariffs.

Morocco has long been a favored investment destination for the US, which accounts for more than 30 percent of all foreign investment in the country, worth more than $750 million. Nearly 120 American companies operate in Morocco, with manufacturing, real estate, telecommunications, tourism and energy some of the key areas of interest for investment.

There has also been substantial American investment in the automotive and vehicles industry in the country, such as an expansion by the Lear Corporation. Aerospace majors such as Boeing have also made significant inroads in the Moroccan market.

All of this clearly indicates that Morocco’s strong investment climate provides opportunities for American companies.

As an acknowledgment of Western Sahara’s geostrategic location and its potential for opening up trade with Africa, the US is keen to invest in Dakhla and the wider region. In 2022, Danforth Investors, Global Special Projects and SEC Newgate US signed two memorandums of understanding with the Council of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region to promote American investment in Dakhla.

With continual expansion in several areas, the relationship between the US and Morocco remains robust, more than two centuries after its genesis. It will continue to grow, thanks to new programs such as King Mohammed VI’s Atlantic Initiative, which aims to provide landlocked Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean through Moroccan infrastructure. American investment will provide significant support for the execution of this vision.

There is also strong potential for collaboration in emerging industries such as renewable and green energy, digital infrastructure and space technology.

When Trump was elected president for the first time, Morocco’s central role in regional peace was acknowledged through the Abraham Accords. Rubio’s recent reaffirmation of this sentiment bodes well for the future of US-Morocco ties in a time of global political uncertainty and an increasing American withdrawal from the Global South.

Morocco therefore remains a vital and time-tested strategic partner for the US, due to its domestic stability, geographic location and commitment to counterterrorism.

As a gateway to trade and diplomacy with Africa, Europe and the Middle East, it can be a lucrative pillar for the US in the new world order.

• Zaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council. X: @Moulay_Zaid