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Mexico vs. Morocco: Atlantic-Pacific Economic Giants Forge New South-South Partnership By Our Geopolitical Correspondent
Published 6 October 2025 Mexico City and Rabat have signalled a significant deepening of their diplomatic and commercial relationship following a high-level economic mission and the formal signing of a major bilateral cooperation agreement. The move positions the two nations, long viewed as strategic gateways to the Americas and Africa respectively, as key anchors in a burgeoning axis of "South-South" trade. The shift, encapsulated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in late September between the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) and Mexico's Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN), aims to substantially raise bilateral trade from the 2023 figure of approximately $653 million. Officials are targeting core sectors including automotive manufacturing, agri-food production, renewable energy, and technological innovation. Bridging Continental Influence Mexico and Morocco share the strategic complexity of bordering, and heavily trading with, dominant Northern economic blocs—the United States and the European Union. However, recent geopolitical volatility and the pursuit of resilient supply chains have pushed both nations to diversify their global trade pathways. The Moroccan business delegation, led by CGEM President Chakib Alj, emphasized Morocco’s stability and its strategic position as a logistical hub. Morocco, currently Africa’s leading automotive producer and a major aerospace and textile manufacturing centre, views Mexico as its principal entry point to the expansive Latin American market.
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"The areas of common interest between Morocco and Mexico are many and varied," Mr. Alj stated during the signing ceremony. "Morocco can become a key hub for Mexican investment into the African continent, just as Mexico can be a reliable gateway to the entire Latin American market for Moroccan entrepreneurs. " Conversely, Mexico, a member of the Group of 24 and the United Nations, is leveraging its status as a vital global manufacturing centre, benefiting from its proximity to North America, to attract new partners seeking to bypass congested global shipping routes. Focus on Strategic Sectors The agreement paves the way for specific collaboration in high-growth areas. The automotive sector, in particular, is central to the new partnership. Both countries host major global automobile manufacturers and are looking to integrate their supply chains. Mexico, a powerhouse in vehicle assembly, is keen to utilise Moroccan components and capitalize on its African logistical network. Further cooperation is mandated in the phosphate and fertiliser industry—a key Moroccan export—which is essential to Mexican agri-food production.
Dr. Elena Vargas, a trade policy analyst at the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), highlighted the political significance of the timing. "This is more than just a trade pact; it’s a commitment to shared influence," she noted. "Both nations are global leaders in migration management and advocates for the Global South. By strengthening economic ties now, they are collectively signaling their importance in the emerging multipolar world. They are building a new axis that bypasses traditional North-South dependence. " The MoU also commits to the creation of a joint commission to coordinate cooperation programmes, aiming to streamline regulatory environments and facilitate joint trade fairs and industrial forums. A Rivalry Tempered by Cooperation The economic partnership follows closely on the heels of a highly contested meeting on the football pitch, which, while minor in the context of senior international football, offered a symbolic parallel to the evolving relationship. Earlier this week, Mexico’s U20 side narrowly defeated Morocco’s U20 team 1-0 in the FIFA U-20 World Cup group stage in Chile.
Despite the loss, Morocco advanced as group winners—a result that commentators suggested symbolized Morocco's recent success on the global stage, while Mexico secured a hard-fought second place. This competitive but respectful exchange is emblematic of the current diplomatic dynamic. Historically, relations have been cordial since their establishment in 1962, though they faced strain after Mexico recognised the government of Western Sahara in 1979. However, high-level visits, including an official visit by King Mohammed VI to Mexico in 2004, have sustained dialogue. Outlook The recent MoU represents the most concrete action to date to align the economic trajectories of the two nations. Political figures in Mexico, including those from the governing and opposition parties, have publicly advocated for stronger ties, acknowledging Morocco's role as a bridge to the African continent. The successful implementation of the MoU hinges on how quickly regulatory hurdles can be lowered and mutual investments secured. Should this Atlantic-Pacific partnership solidify, it could significantly alter trade flows and regional influence across Latin America and North Africa, establishing a powerful new model for South-South global engagement.
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