Algiers, Algeria – (African Boulevard News) – Algeria is facing a challenging time as the Ukraine war and drought have forced its hand to rely more on French wheat imports. The recent debates in France on an insecticide ban that would have prevented it from importing French wheat, have caused apprehension in Algiers since it has become more dependent on the imports since the war in Ukraine began.
According to a report by Africa Intelligence, Algeria’s wheat imports from France have increased significantly over the last five years, from 3.2 million tonnes in 2016 to 7.7 million tonnes in 2021, making France the country’s main supplier of wheat.
The Ukraine war and drought have impacted global wheat supplies, pushing prices higher and reducing Algeria’s options for wheat imports. The situation has left Algiers with no alternative but to rely heavily on French wheat imports, which remains a critical source of food for its population.
The Algerian government is now calling on France to ensure that there will be no disruptions to its wheat supply because of the insecticide ban. Some experts suggest that this scenario could trigger a trade dispute and undermine bilateral ties between the two countries.
Despite the concerns, some experts argue that the insecticide ban would not affect the quality of French wheat, and that Algeria could consider other wheat suppliers in the future. “There are other alternatives to French wheat, and the Algerian government should not put all its eggs in one basket,” said a grain trader based in Algiers.
However, the majority of Algerians remain skeptical about the idea of sourcing wheat from other countries. “We are used to the taste of French bread, and the wheat from other countries may not be as good,” said Fatima, an Algiers resident.
In conclusion, Algeria is facing a difficult situation brought about by the Ukraine war and the drought, which have forced the country to rely on French wheat imports. The recent debates in France on an insecticide ban have added to the worries of Algerians who depend on French wheat for their daily bread. The Algerian government is calling on France to ensure a continuous supply of wheat, while experts suggest that the country should consider other wheat suppliers to mitigate any future risks. However, for the time being, it appears that French wheat will remain as the staple diet of Algerians.
