Algeria-France Trade Relations Plunge Sharply in Q1 2025 Amid Political Tensions

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Bilateral Trade Drops as French Exports to Algeria Fall by 21%, Reflecting Deepening Diplomatic Rift Following France’s Recognition of Moroccan Claims on Western Sahara

Algiers, Algeria | May 16th, 2025 — Trade exchanges between Algeria and France suffered a significant decline during the first quarter of 2025, signaling the deepening impact of a diplomatic crisis that has strained relations between the two nations since summer 2024. The discord originated when France officially recognized Morocco’s so-called ‘sovereignty’ over Western Sahara, a move that exacerbated an already fragile bilateral relationship.

According to figures reported Wednesday by TSA (Tout Sur l’Algérie), French exports to Algeria plummeted to €992.5 million in the first three months of 2025, down sharply from €1.255 billion during the same period in 2024 — marking a steep 21% drop. Algerian exports to France also declined, albeit more modestly, from €1.42 billion to €1.36 billion, a 3.9% decrease over the same timeframe.

The decrease in French exports affected almost every product category. Notably, machinery and general-purpose equipment, pharmaceuticals, basic and nitrogenous chemicals, electrical equipment, diverse food products (down 60%), agricultural and livestock goods (down 99%), paper pulp, cardboard, automotive equipment, cutlery, tools, measurement and navigation devices, steel products, computers and peripheral equipment, perfumes and cosmetics, medical instruments, as well as dairy products and ice cream (down 98%) all registered sharp declines.

Despite this broad downturn, a few sectors defied the trend. French exports to Algeria increased in areas linked to automotive construction, miscellaneous chemicals, specialized machinery, clothing items, and plastics.

On the Algerian side, hydrocarbons exports to France saw a marginal increase of 0.3%, rising from €1.075 billion to €1.078 billion. However, refined petroleum products plunged by 17.1%, and nitrogenous products tumbled by 22.7%.

This downward trajectory in bilateral trade follows a broader trend from 2024, when overall exchanges between the two countries shrank by 4.3%, falling to €11.1 billion from €11.8 billion in 2023, according to data from the French General Directorate of the Treasury.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube