Algeria's Trade Profile: Hydrocarbon Exports Dominate, Diversified Imports

Exports: Oil and Gas Rule

Algeria's export economy is overwhelmingly hydrocarbon-based—over 95% of total export value:

• Crude oil — Primary earner, exported globally.
• Natural gas — Pipeline to Europe (via Medgaz, Trans-Med) and LNG shipments.
• Refined petroleum products — From domestic refineries (Skikda, Algiers, Hassi Messaoud, Arzew).
• Fertilizers — Nitrogenous (urea, ammonia) from gas feedstock; growing export.
• Iron and steel — Modest but expanding (Bellara, Jijel complexes).
• Food products — Dates, olive oil, limited processed foods.

Imports: Broad-Based Necessity

Algeria imports most manufactured goods, consumer products, and foodstuffs:

• Capital goods: Machinery, equipment, industrial plant.
• Vehicles: Passenger cars, commercial trucks, construction equipment.
• Consumer goods: Electronics, appliances, textiles, household items.
• Food: Wheat (top food import), milk powder, sugar, vegetable oils, corn.
• Pharmaceuticals: Medicines, vaccines, medical equipment.
• Raw materials: Iron ore (for steel), coal, plastics resins, chemicals.

Key Trading Partners

• Exports to: Italy, Spain, France, USA, Turkey, UK, China (mostly hydrocarbons).
• Imports from: China, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina.

Structural Challenge

Hydrocarbon dependence makes Algeria vulnerable to price shocks. Government policy emphasizes diversification—petrochemicals, mining, agriculture, renewable energy—but progress is slow. Import substitution (e.g., local wheat, pharma) is a stated priority. The trade surplus fluctuates with oil/gas prices; non-hydrocarbon exports remain under 5% of total.