For China, the attractiveness of the Cherifian kingdom rests mainly on its free trade agreements with the United States and the European Union.

Nearly 10 billion euros. That's how much six listed Chinese companies have said they intend to invest in Morocco in recent months: BTR New Material, CNGR Advanced Material, Gotion, Hailiang, Shinzoom and Tinci. What do they have in common? They all specialize in the production of batteries, or components thereof, for electric cars.

Three of these announcements have already been signed with the Moroccan government, while a fourth involves the royal holding company Al Mada through a joint venture.

They come at a time when the Chinese industry, which produces three-quarters of the world's batteries for electric cars, is suspected of dumping by the United States and the European Union (EU).

On May 14, the White House raised the tax on Chinese imports of lithium-ion batteries and battery components from 7.5% to 25%, with the tax on electric cars set to jump from 25% to 100%.

For its part, Brussels has given itself until June 5 to decide whether to increase its customs duties on Chinese electric cars, currently taxed at 10%.

Faced with European and American offensives, the Chinese companies that have declared their interest in investing in Morocco are making no secret of their motivations. The fiscal incentives offered by the Cherifian kingdom are attractive, and its abundant, relatively skilled workforce is more affordable than in Europe.

Alexandre Aublanc journal le monde