Algeria’s new rules tighten control over imports

Algeria has introduced strict new import rules to protect financial reserves and boost local factories, state-aligned TSA Algérie reports on May 17th. 

Directives from April and May 2026 cut bank credit lines in half and mandate bank approval before any cargo can leave foreign ports. While aimed at reducing dependency on oil and gas, experts warn this heavy red tape risks choking small businesses and reducing global competitiveness. 

Maghrebi Week’s latest edition highlighted the unequal trade relations with the European Union, these measures seem to push further in that same protectionist direction.

Maghrebi.org, Maghrebi Week, TSA Algerie.