Effects of neo protectionism on Moroccan agricultural exports: gravity model approach

Abstract

Protectionism occurs when countries impose tariff or non-tariff measures (NTMs) on each other. This article examines the different theories of neo protectionism, we use recent data to measure the impact of non-tariff protectionist measures on agricultural exports between Morocco and a selection of its trading partners that are mostly members of the EU. The objective of this work is to understand the relationship between the application of protectionist measures and the flow of agricultural exports, while seeking to understand whether non-tariff measures impact exports. This study is based on an econometric approach by the gravity model of trade, introduced in the first time by Anderson and van Wincoop (2003), the model will be estimated by the ordinary least squares model (OLS), and to correct the effects of heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation, a robust estimator of the covariance matrix will be introduced on panel data covering the period 2009 to 2019 for 7 importing partner countries. The main results show that the Moroccan export sector confirms the gravity model, the GDP of importers and distance being the main factors, and that the non-tariff measures studied such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) have a significant impact on agriculture and agri-food export sectors. The subject treated is considered original in that it deals with the traditional protectionism but under its new forms that has surfaced in recent years. Despite the originality of the topic discussed, and the limitations encountered during its feasibility, we have highlighted a study that could pave the way for the application of untapped perspectives that will be useful for future research to assist and guide public policies.

JEL Classification : F1, F3, F5, O2, O5, F14, F15

Paper type: Empirical research