Algeria suspends imports and exports with France amid diplomatic tension

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Algeria has decided to halt all imports and exports with France and prevent Algerian banks from processing import documents from France.

Former French ambassador to Algeria, Xavier Driencourt, described the new Algerian decision— which only exempts transactions shipped before November— as a “severe blow to the economic relations between the two countries, opening the door to serious repercussions for both sides.”

Meanwhile, French newspaper Le Figaro confirmed the news, stating in its Wednesday edition that if the French authorities confirm this decision, it would essentially amount to a suspension of trade relations between the two countries.

According to information from the French newspaper, the “Association of Banks and Financial Institutions” (ABEF) was verbally informed of the decision on Monday, November 4. As a result, it is no longer possible to process import and export operations to and from France.

Le Figaro linked this decision to the French move in July, in which Paris recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that had already caused a deterioration in bilateral relations between the two countries.

The report added that French business circles have been feeling the pressure since the beginning of October. According to Le Figaro, the state agency responsible for issuing import and export licenses, Algex, had warned companies: “We will no longer issue licenses for products imported from France. Start looking for alternative suppliers,” according to the testimony of an Algerian importer cited in the article.

The paper further noted that this decision could also affect Algeria’s exports to France. One Algerian importer was quoted as saying, “This will be a disaster for date producers who have reached full harvest and are preparing for export to France.”

The newspaper also mentioned concerns about Algeria’s gas exports to France. However, it pointed out that even during the peak of the diplomatic crisis with Spain— which arose after Madrid shifted its stance to support Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara— Algeria continued to supply gas. This suggests that Algeria is unlikely to go as far as suspending its gas exports to France, as such a move would ultimately harm Algeria more. The decision was described as “suicidal” for Algeria, which stands to lose more from this drastic step

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