Diplomatic Strain Pushes Algeria to Close its Doors on French Wheat Imports: Move Signals a Heavy Blow to French Agricultural Exports

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 20th, 2025 —   In a bold response to the deepening diplomatic rift between Algeria and France, a senior official from one of France’s largest agricultural organizations has confirmed that Algeria has effectively closed its doors on French wheat imports, a decision that could severely impact France’s wheat exports in the upcoming 2025 season. This dramatic turn of events underscores the escalating tensions between the two countries, which have been exacerbated by a series of inflammatory remarks and interventions by French political figures.

Benoît Piétrement, President of the French Association of Cereal Growers (France AgriMer), revealed in a press conference last Wednesday that the Algerian market has “almost completely shut off” to French soft wheat due to the ongoing diplomatic crisis. Piétrement expressed his concern that this closure would deal a devastating blow to French grain sales, especially wheat, given Algeria’s pivotal role as a key importer in North Africa.

“The Algerian market is practically, if not entirely, closed to French wheat,” Piétrement stated, referring directly to the diplomatic tensions that have reached unprecedented levels. He highlighted the ongoing struggle for French wheat in both the Algerian and Chinese markets, where France has traditionally enjoyed strong footholds, compounded by the steady influx of Ukrainian wheat into the European Union and the reluctance of China to bolster its purchases.

Philippe Heuzel, Secretary General of the French Wheat Producers’ Association (AGPB), further stressed the critical nature of the situation. He noted that the loss of Algeria, coupled with declining demand in other parts of North Africa and Europe, is forcing France to make concessions to international competitors. “We are clearly losing ground to our rivals, especially in North Africa, a region that was once our stronghold,” he said. “Our challenge now is to reaffirm the quality of our wheat and regain the trust of our customers.”

This drastic move by Algeria marks a turning point in the bilateral agricultural trade. With the diplomatic fallout between the two countries continuing to intensify, the French agricultural sector finds itself facing the harsh reality of losing significant market share in one of its most important export destinations.

The rift was ignited by several controversial statements from French President Emmanuel Macron, who meddled in Algeria’s internal affairs, followed by a series of inflammatory remarks from his Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, whose actions have been seen by many as deliberately provocative. The recent diplomatic clash, including France’s unwelcome interference in Algeria’s sovereignty, has resulted in increasingly hostile rhetoric and decisions, culminating in Algeria’s decision to halt wheat imports from France.

In response to the decision, the National Office of Cereals in Algeria issued a statement in October, clarifying that the exclusion of French suppliers from a tender for wheat imports was based on technical specifications, rather than political motivations. However, the timing of these developments suggests a deeper, more politically charged decision, aligning with Algeria’s broader strategy to seek greater independence from former colonial powers.

Translated from:

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