Algerian Radio
The Central Director for Export Promotion at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, Houari Abdelatif, announced Sunday that Algeria's trade balance recorded a 16% increase during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
Speaking on Radio Chaîne 1's "L'Invité du Matin" program, Houari Abdelatif emphasized that this performance is viewed as a positive indicator by public authorities, especially as several sectors show continuous month-on-month and year-on-year export growth. He noted that this evolution reflects the efficiency of the policies implemented to support exporters and address their concerns, thereby fostering mutual trust between the administration and economic operators.
Exports: A Sustainable Economic Trend
Abdelatif pointed out that the current export dynamic is no longer temporary or circumstantial but has become a sustainable economic trend. Many enterprises are now specifically producing goods tailored for foreign markets. He also highlighted the consensus among international reports regarding the improvement of Algeria's economic indicators outside the hydrocarbon sector, thanks to incentive measures decreed by the country's highest authorities.
In this context, the official underscored the significance of the launch of 35 export operations to 17 countries on April 11, originating from the Wilaya of Tizi Ouzou. Organized in coordination with various Walis, these shipments involved ports, airports, and land border crossings. He described the operation as the largest of its kind, reaching destinations in Europe, Africa, the Arab world, Asia, North America (USA and Canada), and new markets in Latin America, including Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala.
Non-Hydrocarbon Exports as a National Priority
He affirmed that the Ministry’s supervision of this operation sends a clear message of support: exporting is a national economic priority and a strategic path to penetrating international markets. The state aims to reassure economic operators, particularly newcomers, by accompanying them, sharing risks, and encouraging them toward African markets, which are geographically closest and most cost-effective.
Regarding the nature of the exports, Abdelatif noted they included traditional products such as building materials, ceramics, and cement, alongside agri-food products, fruits, and vegetables. Notably, the Wilaya of Tizi Ouzou recorded its first export of automotive spare parts (braking systems) to Tunisia and Libya, fulfilling contracts signed during the Intra-African Trade Fair held in Algiers last September. Furthermore, shipments of porcelain and ceramics were sent to Canada, demonstrating the quality and international compliance of Algerian products despite fierce global competition.
African Markets: Algeria’s Strategic Depth
Despite opening up to new global markets, the official stressed that Africa remains the strategic depth for Algerian exports due to proximity and lower international transport costs. He also noted that the agri-food sector has become a leading exporter, with Algerian products particularly dates, successfully reaching Asian markets like Indonesia and Malaysia over the past two years. He mentioned that the state contributes to transport costs through the Special Export Promotion Fund.
Houari Abdelatif concluded by affirming the growing awareness among economic operators of the importance of diversifying non-hydrocarbon exports. This shift is a key indicator of national economic health and reduced dependence on hydrocarbons, ultimately bolstering the diversification of foreign currency sources.
