Spanish Delegation Seeks to Restore Key Trade Ties with Algeria After €300 Million Losses

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 18th, 2024 — A high-ranking delegation from the Port of Castellón, one of Spain’s major maritime hubs located in the Valencian Community, has arrived in Algeria on a mission that ostensibly focuses on trade but fundamentally seeks to recover significant losses incurred by exporting companies in the region. The ceramic and tile industry, which has borne the brunt of the fallout, has suffered a staggering €300 million loss over the past two and a half years due to the suspension of trade ties with Algeria.

According to Spanish media outlets, the delegation is engaged in negotiations to relaunch four regular maritime trade lines connecting the Port of Castellón to Algerian ports. While the specific ports have not been disclosed, the move signals a major effort to re-establish economic relations severed in the wake of Spain’s controversial policy shift on the Western Sahara issue, which led to a halt in bilateral trade.

This trade mission, led by Rubén Ibáñez, President of the Port of Castellón Authority, marks the first of its kind between the two nations since June 2022. During the three-day visit, the Spanish delegation is scheduled to meet with local business leaders, representatives from Algerian ports, and officials from Spain’s embassy in Algeria.

Speaking on the mission, Rubén Ibáñez highlighted the importance of rebuilding ties with Algeria’s economic network, which he described as “one of the port’s most critical markets.” He pointed out that in 2018 alone, the Port of Castellón facilitated the export of one million tons of goods to Algeria, with ceramics, tiles, and specialized machinery dominating the trade flow.

The Spanish media reports also revealed that the proposed resumption of trade relations is likely to involve four shipping companies: Algeria’s national carrier CNAN, White Line, MSC, and Arkas. Meetings between the Spanish delegation and representatives from Algerian ports, logistics providers, and companies connected to the ceramics industry were central to the visit.

The ceramics and tile sector, in particular, eagerly awaits the outcomes of these negotiations. According to industry insiders, the export freeze since mid-2022 has paralyzed the sector, resulting in financial losses that have now reached nearly €300 million.

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