Algeria broadens wheat imports as it works to secure grain supplies
The country continues to expand its list of wheat suppliers while efforts to raise local grain production continue.
ALGERIA – Algeria continues to widen its wheat import sources as it works to secure stable grain supplies and meet growing domestic demand for one of its most important food staples.
The country remains one of the world’s largest wheat importers because local production does not meet national demand. Weather also continues to affect harvests, making imports an important part of Algeria’s grain supply. Wheat plays a central role in the country’s food system, with mills using it to produce bread and couscous for a growing population.
The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that Algeria imports more than 8 million tonnes of wheat each year. This places the country among the leading wheat buyers in the global market.
The government continues to support grain production through programmes that expand planting areas, improve irrigation and encourage the use of modern farming methods. Even with these efforts, local harvests remain below the level needed to supply the domestic market, leaving imports as a key source of wheat.
Algeria has also widened its supplier base in recent years. France, Germany, Spain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico remain among its main wheat suppliers. At the same time, the government has opened state tenders to additional exporters to strengthen supply options.
Russia returned to the Algerian wheat market in 2021 after a five year break. Since then, it has increased wheat shipments to the North African country, adding another major source of supply as Algeria continues to spread its import purchases across several exporting nations.
Barley also remains an important imported grain for Algeria. Farmers mainly use it as animal feed for sheep, cattle and camels. Demand changes from year to year because rainfall and pasture conditions affect feed availability. Lower rainfall and weaker natural grazing usually increase the need for imported barley.
According to USDA estimates, Algeria consumes more than 1.9 million tonnes of barley each year. This steady demand continues to support barley imports alongside wheat purchases.
By expanding its supplier network while investing in local grain production, Algeria continues to balance short term food supply needs with longer term efforts to improve agricultural output and strengthen food security.
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