Restrictions reportedly target Algerian urea exports to France
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on RFI
A major Algerian urea producer has reportedly asked traders to stop selling their cargoes to French buyers, according to three diplomatic sources cited by Reuters. The trade restriction, which has not been officially confirmed by Algeria, could be linked to worsening economic relations between Algiers and Paris, RFI reported.
Trade restrictions are reportedly affecting Algerian urea exports to France, according to several members of the French Association of Manufacturers and Distributors of Blended Fertilisers (Afcome), who have been alerted over the past two weeks or so. One of Algeria’s main producers is said to have asked several traders not to sell their cargoes to French buyers, an instruction reportedly included in some contracts, RFI reported, citing Reuters, which said three diplomatic sources had confirmed it.
Urea is a nitrogen fertiliser used to improve crop yields. Emmanuel Nizon, Afcome’s public affairs official, said customs data would allow the restrictions to be verified only after a delay of about two months.
There has so far been no official confirmation from Algeria that the restrictions were imposed by a government decision. A sector expert believes that making such a measure public could breach the free trade agreement between Algeria and the European Union. The tensions come amid deteriorating trade relations between Paris and Algiers, following France’s support for a plan for autonomy for the Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty.
The issue comes days after Algeria suspended its urea exports to France on 23 October.
