Algeria, one of the world's largest importers of cereals, has diversified its suppliers in recent years, turning to Eastern European and Black Sea markets. The country's reliance on Ukrainian cereals has grown significantly, with Ukraine now providing nearly a third of Algeria's cereal needs. This development was announced during a meeting in Algiers between Minister Sid Ali Khaldi and Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Voronin.
The meeting focused on the current state and future prospects of Ukrainian-Algerian cooperation in agriculture, bilateral trade expansion, and strengthened contacts between specialized agencies and companies in both countries. The Ukrainian Embassy in Algeria reported that the discussions also emphasized food security and Ukraine's role as a reliable supplier of agricultural products. The two parties confirmed their mutual interest in further developing their agricultural partnership.
According to the Ukrainian Embassy, Ukraine currently supplies around 30% of Algeria's cereal imports. This significant increase in Ukrainian-Algerian agricultural trade comes as Algeria seeks to reduce its dependence on French wheat. Prior to 2019, France provided half of Algeria's soft wheat imports, but since then, Algeria has drastically reduced its French wheat imports in favor of suppliers from the Black Sea region, particularly Russia and Ukraine.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimated Algeria's cereal import needs for the 2026-2027 campaign at 14.5 million tons. Algeria's shift towards Ukrainian and Russian suppliers reflects the country's efforts to diversify its cereal imports and ensure a stable food supply. This development also highlights Ukraine's growing importance as a cereal exporter to North Africa.
The meeting between Minister Khaldi and Ambassador Voronin demonstrates the strengthening of ties between Algeria and Ukraine in the agricultural sector. Both countries are keen to explore new opportunities for cooperation and expand their bilateral trade. The Ukrainian Embassy reported that the two parties are interested in developing their partnership and exploiting the existing potential for Ukrainian-Algerian cooperation.
Algeria's cereal imports from Ukraine have increased significantly in recent years, driven by the country's efforts to diversify its suppliers and ensure food security. Ukraine's reliable supply of high-quality cereals has made it an attractive partner for Algeria. The two countries are expected to continue their cooperation in the agricultural sector, with a focus on expanding bilateral trade and strengthening ties between their specialized agencies and companies.
The growing partnership between Algeria and Ukraine in the agricultural sector reflects the two countries' shared interests in ensuring food security and promoting economic cooperation. As Algeria continues to import significant quantities of cereals from Ukraine, the two countries are likely to deepen their ties in the sector. Key areas of cooperation may include joint projects in agricultural production, trade, and research.
Key points
- Ukraine supplies around 30% of Algeria's cereal imports.
- Algeria has reduced its dependence on French wheat, turning to suppliers from the Black Sea region.
- The FAO estimates Algeria's cereal import needs for the 2026-2027 campaign at 14.5 million tons.
