U.S. Chamber Hails Senate Passage of Morocco Free Trade Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today praised final passage of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement in the Senate and called the deal a stepping stone towards better relationships and opportunities for all Americans in the Middle East and North Africa.

"This vote levels the playing field for American employers, workers and farmers in a vital part of the world," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "Eliminating tariffs on U.S. goods and services that reach Morocco will help strengthen American competitiveness in the Middle East and support more jobs here at home."

U.S. exports to Morocco currently carry an average tariff of more than 20 percent. This agreement immediately cuts more than 95 percent of those tariffs on American consumer and industrial goods exported to Morocco. In addition, the deal will build upon and improve existing international copyright agreements and includes new enforcement provisions to deter piracy and counterfeiting.

The United States exported more than $465 million to Morocco last year, with a trade surplus of nearly $80 million, according to the Chamber.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of ever size, sector and region.

www.uschamber.com

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