Because of its school books, Tunisia seeks the help of the WTO for the second time

Tunisia has again sought the help of the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding anti-dumping duties imposed by Morocco on the country’s imports, reports Africa News.

According to the same source, Tunisia has submitted its request to the WTO members on February the 27th, complaining against the Kingdom’s duties imposed on its school exercise books.

Tunisia claims that Morocco is violating the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), a legal agreement between many countries, whose overall purpose was to promote international trade by reducing or eliminating trade barriers such as tariffs or quotas.

It is not the first time that Tunisia reacts to Morocco’s imposed duties on its school books. In July 2018, the North African country lodged a complaint to the WTO.

Replying to Tunisia’s anger in 2018, the government spokesperson Mustapha El Khalfi said that Morocco’s decision to impose additional taxes on Tunisian school books complies with the World Trade Organization laws.

«What we have done is in accordance with the World Trade Organization’s rules», said the Minister, adding that school books coming from Tunisia are «flooding» the Moroccan market and affecting competition rules.

According to El Khalfi, the additional taxes protect local companies, struggling to survive and provide jobs.