Trade between France and Algeria: good accounts but not good friends

At first glance, trade between France and Algeria has hardly suffered from the increase in tensions between the two countries in recent months. This is, moreover, the only positive aspect of the bilateral relationship mentioned by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in an interview with the daily newspaper l'Opinion on February 2. In a climate that he considers "deleterious" with a "political dialogue that has been virtually interrupted" , He believes that "nothing is moving forward, except for trade relations."

In their recent statistical delivery , French customs reported that trade was maintained. It amounts to 11.05 billion euros in 2024. A decline of 4% compared to the previous year, but an increase of 21% compared to 2019. While France's exports to Algeria are increasing, imports are falling and the French trade deficit is being reduced to 1.4 billion euros. While France mainly sells automotive construction products (20% of exports), machinery and equipment (9.2%) and as many pharmaceutical products to the 3rd largest African economy, it buys hydrocarbons from it.