Algeria has taken a significant step this week by excluding French companies from a wheat import tender. This decision is linked to ongoing diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Paris, according to trading sources.
The move mirrors a similar dispute three years ago that saw France sidelined from Algeria’s wheat tenders for several months. This latest action could strengthen the dominance of Black Sea wheat supplies, particularly Russian wheat, in Algeria’s vast import market.
Algeria ranks among the world’s largest wheat importers, and for many years, France has been its primary supplier. However, recent diplomatic developments have strained this relationship.
In July, France endorsed a plan regarding the Western Sahara region that favors Moroccan sovereignty. This decision has angered Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s aspirations for an independent state in the region.
On Tuesday, Algeria conducted a routine tender, during which the state grains agency, OAIC, is estimated to have purchased over 500,000 metric tons of wheat. The OAIC’s tenders typically allow sellers to choose the grain’s origin from a list of approved sources, including French wheat.
However, sources indicate that this time, French firms were not invited to participate. Furthermore, non-French companies that did participate were instructed not to propose French wheat as a supply option.
The OAIC did not provide any explanation for this exclusion, leading many to believe it is a direct reflection of the deteriorating diplomatic relations, particularly concerning Western Sahara. Neither the OAIC nor France’s foreign trade and agriculture ministries responded to requests for comment.
