Algerian Exports Continue to Thrive in Seven Key Markets Despite Unjust Ban on El Mordjene Spread by France Under Dubious EU Regulations

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | September 20th, 2024 — Algerian exporters and economic operators are making significant inroads into seven major international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, China, Russia, South Africa, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, between September and November 2024. This international push is part of a broader effort to enhance Algeria’s non-hydrocarbon exports, with a bold target of surpassing $7 billion by the end of the year, as part of the nation’s strategic objective to diversify its revenue streams.

This expansion is occurring despite France’s controversial ban on Algeria’s popular El Mordjene spread, a move widely regarded as a targeted attack on the country’s burgeoning food industry. The ban, enforced under the ambiguous EU Regulation No. 2202/2292, has raised questions about protectionism. The regulation, which mandates that imported goods containing dairy or livestock ingredients undergo strict sanitary checks, has been used to justify the exclusion of El Mordjene from the French market. However, many observers view this as a pretext for blocking competition, especially as Algerian exports make substantial gains in global markets.

In the face of these barriers, Algeria’s resilience is on full display, as it aggressively pursues favorable opportunities in other regions. The nation’s strong showing at Saudi Arabia’s 2024 FOODEX exhibition in Riyadh marks just one of several key promotional events aimed at strengthening economic ties. The event, which coincided with the 14th Algerian-Saudi Business Council session, saw over 100 companies from both countries engage in dynamic discussions on enhancing bilateral trade. Algerian officials, along with their Saudi counterparts, identified promising collaboration prospects across multiple industries, reinforcing the strategic importance of this “win-win” relationship.

Following Riyadh, Algeria’s promotional efforts will continue with a significant exhibition in Qatar from October 22 to 27, 2024, showcasing a wide array of Algerian products and opening the door to lucrative new partnerships. As part of the broader drive to boost international engagement, this exhibition is crucial for expanding Algeria’s presence in Qatar’s competitive marketplace. Likewise, South Africa is set to host a similar showcase from November 20 to 25, 2024, in Johannesburg, offering Algerian exporters an invaluable opportunity to deepen their penetration into the African market, while also building networks with regional business leaders.

This momentum extends to West Africa, where Algeria will participate in the 32nd Dakar International Fair (FIDAK 2024) in Senegal, from November 28 to December 15, 2024. This prominent economic event presents Algerian companies with a platform to reach over 300 million consumers across the region. Such strategic moves are designed to open up direct business avenues, reducing dependency on cross-border trade while facilitating greater market integration for Algerian exports.

Algeria’s participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2024, will serve as a landmark moment in its trade agenda. The world’s first national exhibition dedicated to imports, initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, provides a vital platform for international cooperation. For Algeria, this represents a unique opportunity to introduce its premium products to the world’s largest consumer market and solidify trade ties with China, a key partner in its export diversification strategy.

The country’s expansion into Russia also holds promise, as demonstrated by Algeria’s participation in Moscow’s 33rd International Food and Beverage Exhibition from September 17 to 20, 2024. This event allowed 15 Algerian companies to showcase their products, particularly food items, to the Russian market. This endeavor is part of a long-term strategy to leverage Algeria’s agricultural strength and expand its market footprint in Eurasia.

Meanwhile, the economic operators of Algeria are keenly eyeing opportunities in Ivory Coast, where the “Invest Forum” in Aboisso, scheduled for September 27 to 28, 2024, promises to connect them with over 300 businesses and investors. With sectors ranging from agriculture to renewable energy and tourism on the agenda, this event will serve as a crucial catalyst for forging sustainable partnerships in West Africa.

Despite the unjust ban on El Mordjene spread, Algeria’s determination to thrive on the global stage remains undiminished. Economic experts, like Dr. Ishak Kherchi of the Higher School of Commerce, stress the importance of continued investment in Algeria’s export infrastructure and the need to circumvent hostile trade environments by targeting more receptive markets. Kherchi argues that the growing demand for Algerian products worldwide—whether it be through cultural ties, competitive pricing, or product innovation—demonstrates that Algeria is rapidly becoming a formidable player in international trade.

The controversy surrounding El Mordjene is emblematic of the broader challenges Algeria faces as it seeks to diversify beyond hydrocarbons. Nevertheless, the country’s ongoing success in expanding its exports to new regions serves as a testament to its resilience and ambition. The final months of 2024 will be crucial in determining whether Algeria achieves its $7 billion target, but all indicators point to an increasingly vibrant and competitive export sector that is well-positioned to surmount future obstacles.

In essence, the El Mordjene ban by France has done little to dampen the optimism surrounding Algeria’s global ambitions. Instead, it has galvanized a new sense of purpose within the country’s trade community, driving a push for further expansion into markets that value fair competition and mutual economic benefit. As Algeria continues to make inroads across multiple continents, its products are set to leave a lasting mark on global markets, challenging long-established trade dynamics and signaling the emergence of a new economic power in the region.

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