In 2023, dates became the Algerian commodity most purchased by Morocco, with a value of 441 million dirhams (40.87 million euros). A product whose imports increased by 24% compared to 2022, contrary to the general trend of trade between the two countries. According to the Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office (OC), the value of economic exchanges between Algeria and Morocco reached 1.3 billion dirhams in 2023, the lowest level since 1999.
In one year, bilateral exchanges between the two countries fell by 48%, a continuous decline since the end of 2021, shortly after Algiers decided to sever diplomatic relations with its neighbor. Before this crisis, the trade balance, estimated at 6.9 billion dirhams in 2021, was largely in favor of Algeria, which recorded a surplus of 4.8 billion dirhams that year.
Less gas, more dates
The recent reversal of this trend is due to Algiers' decision to no longer transit gas to Spain through the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline, through which Morocco was supplied. Gas represented the majority of Moroccan imports from Algeria, precisely 83% in 2021, according to the Foreign Exchange Office's annual report on foreign trade.
Currently, it is dates that occupy this first position: they represent, in 2023, 68% of the total value of Algeria's exports to Morocco. These exports fell to 650 million dirhams in 2023, a reduction of 62% compared to the previous year. Thus, the kingdom exports more goods to its neighbor than it imports, with the value of Algerian imports reaching 653 million dirhams. Again, a decrease is observed, as in 2022 this amount reached 806 million dirhams. Among the other products affected are Algerian glass, whose imports fell by 57% between 2022 and 2023, from a value of 227 million dirhams to 97 million.
In turn, the kingdom exported to Algeria mainly iron and steel, as well as coffee and fertilizers. Exports of iron or steel sheets fell by 22% between 2022 and 2023, while those of coffee and fertilizers ceased completely.
The weakening of trade between Rabat and Algiers supports the finding made in 2023 by the Crédit Agricole Group's economic report, which considers North Africa to be the least integrated region in the world, despite its great economic potential.
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