Turkish exporters, trying to overcome the unofficial boycott of Turkish goods by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are now experiencing problems with exports to North African countries, as well.” They say “This is much observed especially in the Moroccan part.”
Hadi KARASU, President of the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Association has said: “European brands want to shift their production from China to Turkey and North African countries. These countries also see this and create additional tariff barriers in order to keep Turkey out of the game as much as possible.”
According to data provided TIM (Turkish Exporters Assembly), Turkey’s exports to Morocco amounted to $ 2.24 billion in 2019 and Algeria to $ 1.86 billion. In recent weeks, Turkish companies in the ready-to-wear and apparel sector have had problems entering goods to North African countries, especially Morocco; exporters have been sharing complaints about waiting times that can reach five times normal at customs in Morocco for the past month.
Morocco’s decision to increase its customs duties on Turkish goods by up to 90% for a five-year period will make this market difficult for all sectors, not just ready-to-wear.
