President Tebboune Guides Trade Policy Evolution

Algeria has established a new foreign trade doctrine, elevating trade to a major political priority. This strategic shift addresses critical national interests, including the protection of currency reserves, stimulation of national production, and the country's ambition to expand its presence in international markets. Since assuming the presidency in 2019, President Tebboune has actively championed this area as a primary focus in combating abuses such as excessive "import-import" practices and illicit capital outflows.

Historically, the nation has grappled with issues including over-invoicing during imports, false declarations, and the use of valueless goods to mask illicit currency transfers abroad. While earlier policies focused on import restrictions and programming, their limitations became apparent, as national production often relies on the timely import of essential machinery, spare parts, or specific inputs. Recognizing this, the state is now working to ease administrative burdens for operators while simultaneously strengthening safeguards to prevent past abuses.

To achieve this balance, several procedures are being streamlined to enhance control targeting, improve traceability, and expedite the processing of trade requests. A key development is the launch of a new digital platform on August 11, which quickly processed numerous concerns, with nearly half receiving responses within a day. Authorities are also adapting their focus, shifting attention from import over-invoicing to monitoring export under-invoicing, with President Tebboune noting in May that $350 million from exports had not been repatriated. This comprehensive approach facilitates necessary economic operations while rigorously securing the return of export revenues, aiming for a control system that enables operators to produce while tracing and sanctioning illicit practices.