U.S. Recognizes Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Impacts Trade Agreements
The United States officially recognized Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara as part of a deal involving normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel. This decision affects trade agreements, including tariff treatments for goods originating from Western Sahara.
December 10, 2020
Impact: Products from Western Sahara are now subject to the same tariff benefits as Moroccan goods under the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement, potentially increasing imports under HS codes subject to quantitative limits as per U.S. note 6(b).
Proclamation on Western Sahara Trade Policy Issued by U.S. Government
A presidential proclamation extended U.S. trade benefits to products from Western Sahara, aligning them with Moroccan trade privileges following the recognition of sovereignty.
December 22, 2020
Impact: This policy shift may lead to an increase in trade volume under specific HS codes with quantitative limits, affecting quotas specified in U.S. note 6(b) and requiring close monitoring by importers.
U.S. Customs Updates Guidance on Western Sahara Imports
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued updated guidance requiring goods from Western Sahara to be marked as originating from Morocco, aligning with the new U.S. policy stance.
January 12, 2021
Impact: Importers must ensure compliance with labeling requirements for goods under HS codes with quantitative limits per U.S. note 6(b), potentially affecting supply chain documentation and costs.
