Spain has solidified its position as Algeria's primary supplier of red meat, with exports reaching 332 million euros in 2025. This accounts for more than half of Algeria's total imports of refrigerated bovine and ovine meats. In the ovine sector, Spain's market share is approximately 98%. The Spanish market share in Algeria's bovine meat imports was 60% in the first half of 2026.
The Algerian market is considered strategic for Spain, with the Office Économique et Commercial d'Espagne à Alger highlighting its importance. The office notes that Algeria's population of nearly 48 million people places significant emphasis on red meat in their diet and family celebrations. However, domestic production, mainly focused on ovine livestock, is insufficient to meet demand, making imports crucial for authorities to ensure market supply and control prices.
To access the Algerian red meat market, imports must comply with several regulatory requirements. These include adhering to the Programme prévisionnel d’importation (PPI), obtaining sanitary authorizations from Algerian veterinary services, and having halal certification. Spain's geographical proximity and reputation for quality products provide a competitive advantage. Consistent supplies and the ability to meet buyer requirements also differentiate Spanish suppliers from competitors offering lower prices.
The Algerian government has implemented measures to ensure a stable supply of red meat. The proposed 2027 finance bill aims to maintain a reduced 5% customs duty on imports of live bovine and ovine animals for slaughter, as well as bovine and ovine fresh or refrigerated meat under vacuum, until December 31, 2029. This measure also covers specific categories of live bovine animals for fattening.
In October, the Direction générale des services vétérinaires (DGSV) announced a temporary suspension of live bovine imports for breeding and fattening due to health concerns. However, this suspension does not apply to live bovine animals for slaughter or imports of meat. The decision was made after reported cases of foot-and-mouth disease in certain eastern regions of the country.
The Algerian market plays a vital role in Spain's red meat exports. Between January and May 2026, Algeria accounted for 62% of Spain's bovine meat exports to non-European Union countries. The Spanish Office Économique et Commercial d'Espagne à Alger emphasizes that Spain holds a leading position in Algeria's red meat sector.
Algeria's reliance on imports is expected to continue, with the country's production not meeting domestic demand. The government's measures aim to stabilize the market and control prices. Spain's dominance in the market is likely to continue, given its established relationships and competitive advantages.
Key points
- Spain supplied 332 million euros worth of red meat to Algeria in 2025.
- Algeria's red meat market relies heavily on imports due to insufficient domestic production.
- The Algerian government has implemented measures to ensure a stable supply of red meat, including reduced customs duties on imports.
