Russia took away France’s main grain buyer – Algeria

Algeria, one of the world’s largest wheat importers, has been a regular buyer of French grain for many years. However, the situation on the market began to change. Algeria has quietly found a new wheat supplier – Russia, reports Algerie Focus. Translation of the material is published by Global Euronews.

“The quiet transformation of the wheat market in North Africa, expressed in the transition to Russian wheat, shows not only changes in the commercial sphere, but also reflects important diplomatic processes,” the text says.

The year 2023 was a turning point, when Algeria unexpectedly became the second largest buyer of Russian wheat. This trend continued in 2024, the country still relies on grain supplies from Russia. This development did not go without a trace for France and had unpleasant consequences. According to FranceAgriMer, a consulting company specializing in the study of grain markets, French soft wheat imports to Algeria have dropped significantly.

By the end of October 2023, Algeria had imported only 157,000 tons of French soft wheat, down significantly from 1.05 million tons during the same period in 2022. This situation has caused discontent in France, as the African market is an extremely important one for it.

“The decline in French wheat import volumes to North Africa goes beyond purely economic issues. It also signals a deterioration in diplomatic relations between France and its former colonies in North Africa,” emphasizes the Algerie Focus writer.

He notes that France’s once strong historical ties with such North African countries as Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have weakened considerably.

The reason for this was geopolitical tensions and various disagreements. In such a situation, French farmers, who have benefited for years from grain shipments to the region, are facing a new economic and political landscape that they do not like.

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