France to Take Algeria Trade Dispute to European Commission

The French government has announced plans to take its trade dispute with Algeria to the European Commission. This move comes as tensions between the two countries escalate, with France citing restrictions on its businesses and products in the Algerian market. French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux stated that Paris will request the Commission to review the association agreement between Algeria and the European Union.

The association agreement, which came into effect in 2005, allows for measures to be taken in case of non-compliance with commitments. France is seeking to activate these measures, although specific details about the alleged infractions and desired outcomes remain unclear. This development follows a decline in trade between France and Algeria, with French exports to Algeria dropping by 12% in 2025, totaling 4.2 billion euros.

Algeria has been imposing restrictions on French imports since July, according to sources. Additionally, there have been reports of a near-total blockade on French products, as well as a suspension of urea exports to France. The Algerian government has not officially confirmed these measures. The agricultural sector is also a point of contention, with Algeria ceasing to purchase French wheat since July 2024.

The urea issue is critical for France, as Algeria supplies around 30% of its urea imports. A potential suspension of these shipments could impact French supply chains. This dispute is part of a broader context of trade tensions between Algeria and the European Union. In July 2025, the EU initiated a procedure to establish an arbitration panel to address issues including restrictions on imports and limitations on foreign investor participation in Algerian companies.

Algeria defends its measures as necessary for protecting national production and preserving foreign exchange reserves. The country has been seeking a revision of the association agreement, signed in 2002. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has repeatedly denounced the agreement's imbalances and called for its renegotiation.

The trade tensions have been exacerbated by recent diplomatic incidents, including France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara. This move was contested by Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front. Despite efforts to improve relations, the situation remains strained.

The French decision to involve the European Commission adds a new dimension to the dispute, which Algeria itself has been seeking to revise. As of Friday, there had been no public reaction from Algerian authorities or the European Commission. The developments reflect a challenging period in relations between France and Algeria, with implications for trade and diplomacy.

Key points

• France cites restrictions on its businesses and products in Algeria as a reason for taking the dispute to the European Commission.
• The trade dispute is part of a broader context of tensions between Algeria and the European Union.
• Algeria has been seeking a revision of the association agreement with the EU, citing imbalances and the need to protect national production.