Rabat – Ecuador is seeking to reach an agreement with Morocco to reduce customs duties on several products exported to the Moroccan market, according to statements made following a recent visit by Ecuador’s Foreign Minister to Rabat.
The president of the Ecuadorian Federation of Exporters (Fedexpor) said the discussions focused on improving trade relations between the two countries and opening new opportunities for Ecuadorian exports.
Ecuador wants to expand access for products such as roses, bananas, cocoa, and related goods. At present, these products face import tariffs ranging between 30% and 60% in Morocco. Ecuador hopes that a future agreement will gradually reduce these barriers and increase its presence in the Moroccan market.
During the visit, ten Ecuadorian companies took part in a trade mission aimed at strengthening commercial ties with Morocco. These companies operate mainly in agriculture and food processing, including cocoa-based products, chocolate, banana derivatives, and cut flowers.
According to Fedexpor, the mission helped both sides establish initial communication channels and identify products that could benefit from closer cooperation. The organization also said Moroccan partners showed interest in certain Ecuadorian products, including agricultural inputs such as fertilizers.
Fedexpor described the talks as an important step toward launching formal negotiations for a broader trade agreement between Morocco and Ecuador.
Trade between the two countries is already growing. In 2025, non-oil trade recorded a surplus of 48 million dollars in favor of Ecuador. Ecuadorian exports to Morocco reached 56 million dollars, marking a 34% increase compared to 2024.
Morocco is now Ecuador’s 33rd export destination for non-oil products. The main exports include shrimp, bananas, plantains, palm hearts, fish products, crustaceans, and flowers. These top five products account for nearly all exports to Morocco.
More than 55 Ecuadorian companies are currently active in exporting to the Moroccan market.
On the other hand, Moroccan exports to Ecuador fell by 13% in 2025. These mainly include clothing, knitted items, machinery, cosmetics, and fertilizers.
Ecuador noted that its trade with Morocco is still concentrated mainly in aquaculture products but aims to diversify into more agricultural and processed food items. Officials also pointed out increasing competition from countries such as Colombia, Kenya, and Ethiopia in similar export sectors.
Ecuador sees Morocco not only as a growing market but also as a strategic logistics hub connecting Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to its infrastructure and location near the Strait of Gibraltar.
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