Spain Became the Leading Supplier of Pesticides to Algeria

Pesticides will continue to be highly traded in Algeria due to the high domestic demand amidst low production. Algeria's imports of pesticides are expected to reach 75-78% of total demand in 2020, but with annual growth slowing, due to rising transportation costs.

In 2014, Spain (28%), France (19%), Saudi Arabia (10%), China (8%) and the UAE (8%) were the leading suppliers of pesticides, together making up 73% of Algeria's imports in physical terms. And while the share of Spain increased significantly, the shares of the other countries showed modest growth throughout the analyzed period.

In 2014, Germany and Madagascar were the main destinations of pesticides with a combined share of 96% from total Algeria's exports. Supplies of pesticides from Algeria were singular and were characterized by unstable dynamics. In this regard, it would not be feasible to determine the most stable and fast-growing countries of destination.

The Agricultural and Rural Renewal Policy (PRAR), launched by the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2008, encouraged the sharing of modern techniques and machinery, along with improved investment opportunities in agriculture.

Recently, in Algeria, leasing of public land has been introduced to both local and foreign investors. This move is anticipated to boost imports in fertilizers, pesticides, certified seed and machinery for agricultural purposes.

Currently, Algeria produces wheat, barely, pulses, fresh vegetables, dates, table and wine grapes, olives and citruses. These crops notoriously attract insects such as fruit flies (Tephritidae), olive flies (Bactrocera oleae), carob moths/mitse, aphids (Aphididae), Lepidoptera, thrips (Thysanoptera) and codling moths (Cydia pomonella), all of which pose a threat to farmers.

With no domestic agrochemical production to speak of, several foreign companies are already engaged in distributing agrochemicals. Producers, such as Sumitomo, Syngenta, FMC, DuPont, Vapco, Alphyt Spa, Calliope, Uniroyal Chemical and Ingenieria Industrial SA have established their presence in Algeria through local distributors.

Pesticide importers should keep in mind that to import regulated products into Algeria, a document of conformity, issued by an authorized Inspection and Certification Body, is required (a Quality Certificate). This document must certify that the goods are in compliance with the country's technical regulations and standards.

Source: Algeria: Pesticides - Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2020