Algeria’s Ministry of Trade has reported a 23 per cent increase in non-hydrocarbon exports between January and July 2025, driven primarily by fertilizers, chemical products, and construction materials.

Behind the upbeat figures lies a more nuanced reality: while exports have indeed grown, Algeria’s dependence on a narrow range of industries and the limited capacity of its export-oriented manufacturing base temper the government’s optimism.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade’s latest report on non-hydrocarbon exports, Algeria’s sales abroad rose by 23 per cent over the first seven months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.

Acting Director for Export Support Mechanisms, Abdelatif El Houari, highlighted the strong performances of chemical products, construction materials and household appliances.

These sectors, he said, demonstrate a “consistent export activity” and confirm the government’s push toward greater economic diversification.

Fertilizers and chemical products led the way, generating $1.5 billion in exports — up 9 per cent year-on-year. Construction materials and ceramics followed with $560 million (+11 per cent), while the electrical and household appliance industries posted a remarkable 36 per cent growth.

The mining sector expanded by 14 per cent, and agri-food exports grew by 13 per cent.

While these results reflect the gradual strengthening of certain industrial branches, they remain concentrated among a limited number of players and products.

By destination, non-hydrocarbon exports to Europe increased by 21 per cent, with Spain, Italy, and Brazil among the top importers, recording additional trade volumes of $205 million, $162 million, and $156 million respectively.

Trade with Asia rose by 31 per cent, while exchanges with North and

South America climbed by 11 per cent. In contrast, exports to Africa remained nearly stagnant — despite Algeria’s stated ambition to boost intra-continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This sluggish performance underscores the gap between political rhetoric and economic reality: Algerian exporters still face significant logistical, financial, and customs barriers to establishing a lasting presence in African markets.
MK/sf/lb/gik/APA