Morocco among African economies least exposed to Middle East conflict

Morocco is one of the African economies least exposed to the repercussions of the Middle East conflict, according to a study by S&P Global Ratings. The country ranks 25th, the lowest exposure level, in a comparative table of all rated African sovereigns. This assessment is based on five equally weighted pillars: trade dependence on the Middle East, exposure to energy shocks, external vulnerability, available foreign exchange reserves, and public debt dynamics. Morocco's indicators are generally more moderate than those of several other African countries. The Kingdom imports 6.8% of its goods from the Middle East, below the African average of 11%, and directs only 1.1% of its exports to the region, compared to a continental average of 14%. Its net dependence on oil and gas trade with the Middle East is -5.8% of GDP, indicating limited direct exposure to the region's hydrocarbon flows. Fuel subsidies represent 1.4% of GDP. Its current account balance is -2.5% of GDP, with external financing needs corresponding to 89.1% of usable reserves and a net external debt of 13.8% of GDP, which are contained levels compared to other rated African sovereigns. Morocco has foreign exchange reserve coverage equivalent to 5.5 months of goods and services imports, above the continental average of about three months. It shows an annual inflation of 1.8%. Its net government debt is 64.1% of GDP, with an interest burden equivalent to 7.7% of public revenues, lower than the median observed in Afric