The issue of Mauritanian tax increases on Moroccan agricultural imports, implemented in January 2024, took center stage during the Monday meeting in Rabat between Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his counterpart from Mauritania Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug. «Both countries remain committed to resolving any outstanding issues, including the recent customs hikes», affirmed Ould Merzoug to the press. «We believe any disputes can be settled through open dialogue and cooperation». The Mauritanian government justified the three-month tax increase as a measure to «protect domestic products», prompting concerns from Moroccan exporters and the Consumer Forum, who warned of potential price rises for vegetables and fruits in Mauritania. While the Rabat-Nouakchott customs dispute unfolds, it's worth noting that Algeria recently sent a shipment of 25 tonnes of onions to Mauritania.
