CBAM and North Africa: Fertiliser, Cement and Steel Exporters in Egypt and Morocco
Egypt and Morocco face CBAM exposure primarily through fertilisers (OCP Group, Abu Qir), steel (Ezz Steel, Sonasid), and cement. Morocco is developing an ETS pilot that may provide a partial CBAM deduction in future. Egypt has no carbon pricing and faces full CBAM exposure.
OCP Group: The Largest CBAM Exposure in North Africa
OCP Group is Morocco's state-owned phosphate and fertiliser giant. OCP exports ammonia, phosphoric acid, and mixed fertilisers to the EU. Under CBAM, ammonia exports face a default of 2.326 tCO2/t — a certificate cost of EUR 152.19/t at current ETS prices. OCP's actual embedded carbon depends on their ammonia production route (gas-based vs electrolysis-based green ammonia).
Egypt and Morocco CBAM Exposure by Sector
| Country | Sector | Key companies | EU export volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Fertilisers (Ammonia, Phosphates) | OCP Group | 1,000,000+ t/year |
| Morocco | Steel (EAF) | Sonasid (ArcelorMittal) | 100,000–300,000 t/year |
| Egypt | Steel (EAF) | Ezz Steel, ElSewedy | 200,000–500,000 t/year |
| Egypt | Fertilisers (Ammonia, Urea) | Abu Qir Fertilisers, MOPCO | 200,000–500,000 t/year |
Morocco ETS Pilot: Future Partial Offset
Morocco is developing an ETS pilot under its National Climate Plan. If the Morocco ETS becomes operational and covers CBAM sectors, Moroccan manufacturers may be eligible for a partial CBAM deduction under Article 9. This is not yet operational — Moroccan manufacturers currently face full CBAM exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OCP Group's CBAM exposure?
OCP Group's ammonia and fertiliser exports to the EU face CBAM exposure. At the default of 2.326 tCO2/t for ammonia and EUR 65.42/tCO2, the certificate cost is EUR 152.19/t. On 1,000,000+ tonnes of EU exports, this is EUR 152M+ annually.
Does Morocco have a carbon price eligible for CBAM deduction?
Not yet. Morocco is developing an ETS pilot but it is not yet operational. Moroccan manufacturers currently face full CBAM exposure.
Does Egypt have a carbon price eligible for CBAM deduction?
No. Egypt does not have a national carbon tax or ETS eligible for CBAM deduction.
What is Egypt's grid emission factor for CBAM?
Egypt's grid emission factor is approximately 0.47 tCO2/MWh — moderate due to a mix of natural gas, hydro (Aswan), and growing renewables.
Where can Egyptian and Moroccan manufacturers find ISO 14065 accredited verifiers?
See the Egypt & Morocco verifier directory at /verification-directory/egypt-morocco/ for EGAC ISO 14065 accredited CBAM verification firms.
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