Morocco and the European Union have reached a revised trade agreement that restores preferential tariffs for agricultural products originating from Western Sahara, a territory at the heart of long-running disputes.

The deal introduces stricter origin labeling requirements to ensure compliance with European legal rulings, which previously struck down tariff preferences for Western Sahara exports under EU-Morocco accords.

The European Court of Justice had ruled that products from the territory could not automatically be considered Moroccan without explicit safeguards on labeling and transparency.

Officials in Brussels said the revised framework balances legal compliance with trade continuity, allowing agricultural and fisheries products from the region to re-enter the EU market under preferential terms. Morocco, which regards Western Sahara as an integral part of its territory, welcomed the deal as an acknowledgment of its trade ties, while emphasizing that the agreement would benefit local producers.

Critics, including Sahrawi independence groups, argue the accord risks legitimizing Morocco’s claims over the disputed territory. Human rights organizations called for clear guarantees that revenues from trade will benefit local populations rather than entrenching political control.

The EU remains Morocco’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than half of its exports and imports. Analysts say the revised agreement underscores Europe’s desire to maintain stable relations with Rabat while navigating the legal and political sensitivities surrounding Western Sahara.

Image Source:moroccoworldnews.com