Algeria will dismiss EU complaints about market access

Significance The statement likely relates to the European Commission's (EC) launch of a dispute settlement process with Algeria. The EC argues that Algiers's import controls violate the EU-Algeria Association Agreement, which has been in force since 2005. The government's measures were ostensibly aimed at conserving foreign exchange and promoting economic diversification by favouring domestic producers. Impacts The EU will continue to be Algeria's most important trading partner. Algeria could resort to punitive measures against companies based on their government's position on the Western Sahara dispute. Building on the president's visit to China in 2023, the government will seek deeper and expanded ties with China.