Algeria has decided to stop French companies from competing for an important wheat import contract. This decision comes as tensions rise between Algeria and France, highlighting a significant shift in their relationship.
A Shift in Supply
For years, France has been Algeria’s biggest supplier of wheat. Algeria, one of the world’s largest wheat buyers, relied heavily on imports from the European Union. But recently, things have changed. Algeria has been buying more wheat from Russia, which is now the leading supplier in the North African region.
According to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in April, Algeria is quickly moving away from its reliance on French wheat. Just last month, Russia’s Center for Grain Quality Assurance ranked Algeria as the second-largest importer of Russian wheat in Africa, just behind Egypt. From January to September of this year, Algeria imported a whopping 1.3 million tons of wheat from Russia!
A New Wheat Tender
This week, Algeria’s state-owned agency, the Inter-professional Office of Cereals (OAIC), announced it is looking to buy over 500,000 tons of wheat. However, there’s a twist: French companies were not allowed to participate in this bidding process. Sources say that firms were specifically warned not to suggest French wheat as an option.
Instead, Algeria is focusing on strengthening its ties with Russia. If this trend continues, reports suggest that Algeria could import as much as 3 million tons of Russian wheat by the end of the season!
Why the Tension?
This shift away from France is not just about wheat. It reflects a growing diplomatic rift between Algeria and France. The two countries have a complicated history, especially since Algeria was once a French colony. Recently, the situation worsened when France supported a plan by Morocco regarding Western Sahara, a territory Algeria believes should be independent.
This support angered Algeria, leading to significant diplomatic moves. In July, Algeria recalled its ambassador from France, and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune even canceled a planned visit to France.
Looking Ahead
In response to the growing tensions and the exclusion of French suppliers, OAIC assured its European partners that they would still have opportunities in the future. The agency emphasized that any suppliers meeting their standards would be welcome to participate in upcoming bids.
As Algeria moves forward, it seems clear that its relationship with France is changing. With a focus on Russian wheat and a refusal to engage with French suppliers, Algeria is making bold decisions that could reshape the future of wheat imports in North Africa.
