U.S.-Morocco FTA Heads To Congress

ByJohn S. McClenahen The Bush administration made a big deal of the June 15 signing of a free-trade agreement (FTA) between the U.S. and Morocco, touting it as "an important step" toward creation of a Middle East free trade area by 2013. First, however, the U.S.-Morocco pact must gain congressional approval. Once approved and implemented the FTA would immediately eliminate tariffs on 95% on bilateral trade in consumer and industrial goods; all remaining tariffs would be eliminated over nine years. The U.S. exports just under a half billion dollars worth of products to Morocco each year, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Aircraft, machinery and corn are among major exports, with exports of pharmaceuticals and fabrics increasing recently.