Oriental Weavers, Led By Egyptian Tycoon Yasmine Khamis, Seeks End To Morocco's Carpet Tariff

Oriental Weavers, a leading global carpet and textile manufacturer led by Egyptian tycoon Yasmine Khamis and her siblings, is pushing for the removal of the 35.33 percent anti-dumping duty on Egyptian carpet and floor covering exports to Morocco. The company argues that the economic conditions that led to the duty in 2022 have changed, making it unnecessary.

The Egyptian manufacturer points to strategic investments and lower production costs as key factors that have shifted the competitive landscape. It maintains that these changes invalidate the original justification for the tariff and is urging Moroccan authorities to either revise or eliminate it. If successful, this could ease trade restrictions and strengthen Oriental Weavers position in the Moroccan market.

In response to the request, Moroccos Ministry of Commerce has launched an investigation to determine whether the duty is still justified. The review will assess whether the conditions that led to the 2022 decisionmeant to protect Moroccan producers from unfair competitionremain relevant.

Oriental Weavers contends that with lower production costs and new investments, the duty is no longer needed. The investigation, set to last 15 months, could lead to a temporary suspension of the tariff. In the meantime, an equivalent deposit will be collected to prevent any bias in the final decision. The outcome, expected by July 2024, will determine the future of Egyptian carpet exports to Morocco.

Founded in 1979 and publicly listed on the Egyptian Exchange EGX since 1997, Oriental Weavers has grown into a major global player in carpets, rugs, and textiles. With production facilities in three countries and exports to around 150 markets, the company is widely recognized for its expertise in machine-woven textiles.