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Mauritania has canceled the increase in taxes imposed on imports of Moroccan agricultural products, effective from January 1. The decision, announced on Thursday, is good news for the sector. «It should translate into savings of 23,000 dirhams per truck», welcomed Mohamed Zemrani, president of the Association of Goods Producers and Exporters in Africa and beyond. Speaking to Yabiladi, Zemrani estimated a 60% decrease in Moroccan exports to Mauritania between January 1 and May 1, 2024.
The Mauritanian Forum for Consumer Protection also welcomed the cancellation of the tax increase. The non-governmental organization had previously warned the government about the repercussions of this decision on Mauritanians' purchasing power, «which has already been affected by the continuous price hikes and monopolies».
However, Nouakchott initially ignored this warning. In February, Nani Ould Chrougha, the Minister of Oil, Mines, and Government Spokesperson, announced that «Mauritania will not need to import vegetables during the month of Ramadan», expressing confidence in local production meeting domestic demand.
The increase in fees on Moroccan agricultural exports came ahead of Mauritania's upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for June 29th. The incumbent president, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, is seeking a second five-year term.
