U.S.-North Africa Trade Relations (2021 Report)

U.S.-North Africa Trade Relations

Background:

• In 2021, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published its annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers that evaluates U.S. trade trends throughout 2020. Analyzing this report can highlight critical transitions or continuations with U.S. trade partners, such as those in the North African region. 
• Note: Export and import statistics in this report were likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Morocco:

• The U.S. was in a trade surplus with Morocco in 2020. 
• In 2020, U.S. exports to Morocco dropped 34.3% to $2.3 billion. 
• Simultaneously, U.S. imports dropped 33.8% to $1 billion. 

Algeria:

• U.S.-Algeria trade balance transitioned from a deficit to a surplus from 2019 to 2020. 
• In 2020, U.S. exports to Algeria dropped 27.4% to $726 million. 
• Simultaneously, imports dropped 80.7% to $478 million. 

Tunisia:

• The U.S. was in a trade deficit with Tunisia in 2020. 
• In 2020, U.S. exports to Tunisia dropped 5.8% to $434 million. 
• Simultaneously, imports increased 21.1% to $569 million. 

Egypt:

• The U.S. was in a trade surplus with Egypt in 2020. 
• In 2020, U.S. exports to Egypt dropped 13.2% to $4.8 billion. 
• Simultaneously, imports dropped 30.9% to $2.2 billion.

Sudan:

• Sudan was not individually covered in the 2021 National Trade Estimate Report. 
• According to the U.S. Treasury Department, “effective December 14, 2020, the determination regarding Sudan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism was rescinded.” 
• Therefore, Sudan was removed from the Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations prohibitions. Trade with Sudan, accordingly, has the potential to increase moving forward.