Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade has notified the extension of its safeguard measure on imports of hot-rolled steel, maintaining an additional duty of 19pct under WTO rules.
The measure, which applies to hot-rolled in coils and sheets, is set to take effect from June 19, 2026, and will remain in place for a further three years until June 2029.
The move follows a request submitted on 17 December 2025 by Maghreb Steel, the country’s sole producer of hot-rolled flat steel.
Under the extension plan, the safeguard duty will be progressively liberalized, with a reduction of one percentage point per year.
Authorities said the measure remains necessary as the domestic industry, while showing some improvement, continues to face fragile conditions. According to data reviewed by the Ministry, indicators such as profitability, production and market share have improved, but remain vulnerable to import pressure.
The government also cited the risk of increased imports if the measure is lifted, driven by global overcapacity, shifting trade flows and rising protectionist measures in other markets.
Morocco initially imposed the safeguard measure in June 2020, introducing an additional duty of 25pct for three years, subject to progressive liberalization over the period. The measure was extended in June 2023 for a further three years at 22pct. The product under consideration is classified under the following Moroccan customs tariff headings including 72.08; 72.11.13; 72.11.14; 72.11.19; 72.25.30; 72.25.40; 72.26.20.00.11; 72.26.20.00.20; 72.26.20.00.51; 72.26.20.00.52; 72.26.20.00.59; 72.26.91 and 72.26.99.80.00.