France has refuted claims of official trade restrictions imposed by Algeria, despite mounting diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
While the French government maintains it is unaware of any concrete measures, it is closely monitoring the situation.
The recent deterioration in relations between Paris and Algiers stems from France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a move that has angered Algeria, a staunch supporter of the Polisario Front.
A document circulating on social media, purportedly outlining trade restrictions, has been dismissed by Algerian authorities as unfounded.
However, diplomatic sources suggest that Algeria may be considering measures to target French businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Previous instances of trade disputes, such as the 2022 banking restrictions imposed on Spain, highlight the potential for Algeria to utilize economic measures as a diplomatic tool.
While no concrete evidence of such restrictions has been presented, the current climate of tension raises concerns for French businesses operating in Algeria.
French companies have reported no immediate disruptions to their operations, and grain traders attribute recent procurement decisions to technical factors rather than political considerations.
However, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern, as history suggests that trade disputes can escalate rapidly between the two countries.