Morocco, future playground of the Sino-American trade war?

Xi Jinping’s surprise visit to Morocco last November, on the sidelines of the G20 in Brazil, caused a stir. More than a simple diplomatic stopover, this trip illustrates the growing importance of the kingdom in the Chinese strategy of dominating the electric vehicle market. A major challenge as China prepares to face the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House and an intensification of trade tensions with the West.

Europe and the United States, keen to reduce their dependence on Beijing, are increasing protectionist measures. The European Green Deal and “open strategic autonomy” aim to strengthen European supply chains, while the US Inflation Reduction Act encourages the reshoring of strategic industries, notably in the electric vehicle and battery sector, writes in an analysis by the think tank Chatham House. Faced with these obstacles, China is looking for new outlets and Morocco, with its undeniable assets, seems ideal.