Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched a review investigation to assess whether the safeguard measure on imports of hot-rolled flat steel products should be extended.
The move follows a request submitted on 17 December 2025 by Maghreb Steel, the country’s sole producer of hot-rolled flat steel. After examining the information provided, the Ministry determined that the evidence was sufficient to justify opening a review into a possible extension of the existing safeguard measure. The investigation officially took effect on 22 January 2026.
Morocco initially imposed the safeguard measure in June 2020, introducing an additional duty of 25pct for a period of three years, with the rate reduced by one percentage point annually over its duration.
In June 2023, the measure was extended for a further three years, with the additional duty set at 22pct, again subject to a yearly reduction of one percentage point. The current review will determine whether a further extension is warranted.
The investigation seeks to establish whether the safeguard measure remains necessary to remedy or prevent serious injury to the domestic industry, and whether the national production branch has undertaken adjustments aimed at improving its competitiveness.
The Ministry noted that while injury caused by imports has begun to ease, it has not yet been fully remedied, leaving the domestic industry exposed to continued import pressure. Meanwhile, Maghreb Steel continues to implement structural and competitiveness-enhancing adjustments.
The products under review fall under the following tariff classifications: 7208; 7211.13; 7211.14; 7211.19; 7225.30; 7225.40; 7226.20.00.11; 7226.20.00.20; 7226.20.00.51; 7226.20.00.52; 7226.20.00.59; 7226.91; and 7226.99.80.00.
