🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
New rules for trade between Morocco and the United Kingdom
via Le Matin3 min read
The commercial agreement between Morocco and the United Kingdom is entering a new phase of technical adaptation. The Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes published circular n°6758/233 on July 7, 2026, concerning the rules of origin within the framework of the association agreement between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This update follows the signing of decision n°01/2026 by the Morocco–United Kingdom Association Council on March 16, 2026, which modifies protocol 4 regarding the definition of "originating products" and methods of administrative cooperation. The new provisions address several key aspects of preferential trade, including cumulation of origin, the direct transport rule, procedures for issuing certificates of origin, invoice declarations, EUR-MED declarations, supplier declarations, and supporting documents. A significant development is the cumulation of origin, allowing products originating from Morocco or the United Kingdom to benefit from cumulation with the European Union, EFTA, Turkey, and Mediterranean Arab countries that are signatories to the Agadir Agreement. This change allows for better integration of regional value chains, where materials or processing from certain partner countries can be considered in determining preferential origin, provided necessary commercial agreements are in force and conditions are met. The circular also introduces a new formulation of the direct transport rule, pe
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Must ReadMorocco's Atlas Lions are set to play France in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, a rematch of their 2022 encounter. Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the Moroccan team has developed significant collective maturity, exemplified by Azzedine Ounahi's performance against Canada. The team's midfield now effectively controls possession and dictates play, with a focus on verticality and rapid transitions while maintaining a strong defensive block. Supported by enthusiastic fans in American stadiums, Morocco approaches this match with confidence, possessing the technical, physical, and mental resources to challenge the French team. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, has shown impressive realism, with Mbappé scoring seven goals in five matches. However, Mohamed Ouahbi has identified potential weaknesses in Didier Deschamps' system, particularly in the French midfield against high pressing and fast ball circulation, and the spaces left open by advancing full-backs. Morocco's strategy will involve exploiting these wide areas to stretch the French defense and pressure their central defenders. A key individual battle will be between Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappé, former Paris Saint-Germain teammates and friends. Hakimi, playing on Morocco's right flank, will be tasked with containing Mbappé, who is particularly dangerous on France's left wing. This high-intensity duel between two of the fastest players globally is expected to be a decisive factor in the match, with the winner potentially propell
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The 55th National Festival of Popular Arts concluded in Marrakech, transforming the city into a vibrant stage for Moroccan traditions from July 2 to 6. The festival, held in historical venues like El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace, featured songs, dances, costumes, and rhythms from various troupes across the Kingdom. For over half a century, the festival has provided a platform for artistic practices deeply embedded in daily life across Morocco's mountains, plains, oases, and Saharan provinces. Performances included the synchronized movements of Ahidous, the intense percussions of Ahwach, and the unique choreography of the Tizwit troupe from Kalâat M’Gouna, whose name means "bee" in Amazigh and whose dance mimics a beehive's organization. Other acts like Abidat Rma engaged the audience with powerful drumming and call-and-response chants. Mohamed, a troupe member, expressed honor in sharing their traditions with diverse audiences. The Dakka Marrakchia performances at El Badi Palace resonated deeply due to the monument's acoustics. The festival also showcased the slow tempo of the "Kdra" from the southern provinces, the spiritual atmosphere of the Issaoua, the African roots of Moroccan culture through the Gnaoua, and the martial energy of Reggada. A significant aspect highlighted was the essential role of women in transmitting these traditions, leading chants and perpetuating ancestral knowledge. This edition also included performances from China and Africa, emphasizing shared el