US suspends duties on Moroccan fertilizers, OCP's global strategy reinforced
via Le Matin2 min read
The US administration has temporarily suspended certain countervailing duties on imports of Moroccan phosphate fertilizers. This measure, signed by President Donald Trump and valid for up to eight months, addresses supply difficulties faced by American farmers amidst global fertilizer market tensions. The White House stated that supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by conflicts in fertilizer-producing regions, and insufficient US production necessitated this emergency decision. Washington believes Morocco can now supply the American market "without interruption" to secure the upcoming agricultural season. For the OCP Group, this decision recognizes an industrial reality, confirming Morocco's strategic role in global food security and validating OCP's long-term strategy. It also highlights the relevance of investments made to strengthen the group's production capacities, develop tailored soil nutrition solutions, and increase industrial flexibility. This strategy enables OCP to quickly meet the needs of major agricultural markets in a volatile environment. Restrictions over the past five years significantly reduced Moroccan fertilizer imports, while US phosphate production has decreased by over 50% since 1995. OCP is preparing to resume exports to the US to help meet market supply needs, continuing a decade-long presence in North America through a dedicated subsidiary. Beyond the US, this decision reflects a broader international trend, with other strategic partners, like Jap
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The Benteler Group has inaugurated its new production unit in Kenitra, Morocco, a year after the groundbreaking ceremony. The event was attended by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, Benteler Group CEO Ralf G枚ttel, and Benteler Automotive Components Europe, Middle East, and North Africa President Matthias Siemer. The plant has created over 300 direct jobs, with additional professional opportunities throughout the local value chain. Minister Mezzour highlighted the plant's significance in developing the national automotive ecosystem, enhancing the competitiveness of Moroccan industry, and deepening the automotive value chain's integration. He noted that Benteler's investment reflects confidence in Morocco as an industrial hub and its attractiveness to global investors seeking a stable, high-performing, and innovation-focused environment. Mr. G枚ttel emphasized the strategic importance of the new site, stating that it advances Benteler's global growth and manufacturing strategy by combining industrial excellence, customer proximity, and sustainability. Mr. Siemer acknowledged the crucial role of close cooperation with partners and institutions in Morocco during the planning and start-up phases. He added that the Kenitra site increases flexibility and supply reliability, aligning with Benteler's "local-for-local" approach to produce where customers are located. Morocco offers Benteler optimal conditions, including a skilled workforce, robust industrial infrastructu
Khalid Cherkaoui has been appointed to lead the Arab Civil Aviation Organization ACAO, succeeding Abdennebi Manar, during the 29th session of the ACAO General Assembly. Concurrently, Sameh El Hefny, the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, was elected President of the ACAO General Assembly for the 2026-2028 term. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation of Saudi Arabia, was reappointed as President of the organization's Executive Council. The session also included the designation of members for the ACAO's six technical committees. Participants acknowledged Morocco's active contribution to ACAO bodies and its ongoing commitment to cooperation and coordination with Arab countries to address challenges in the civil aviation sector. The importance of strengthening joint Arab cooperation in civil aviation and coordinating member states' efforts to tackle current and future challenges, ensuring the sector's sustainability and enhancing its regional and international competitiveness, was emphasized during the meeting.
Norway secured a victory against Ivory Coast in the 2026 World Cup, earning their place in the round of 16. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring for Norway in the 39th minute. Amad Diallo equalized for Ivory Coast in the 74th minute. Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, bringing his tournament total to five goals. This marks Norway's third appearance in the World Cup round of 16, following 1938 and 1998. Norway will now face Brazil on Sunday for a spot in the quarterfinals.