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Istanbul Africa Trade Company

Country Profiles

Algeria

Located in the North Africa, Algeria is the 10th largest country in the world in terms of total land area. Its GDP is $170 Billion and its population is 41 million. Algeria has strong economic relations with Europe and other Arab countries thanks to its ports in the Mediterranean Sea.

Algeria was a French colony until 1962, and they gained independence after Algerian War. Its official language is Arabic and Algiers is the capital city of the country. Sonatrach is one of the most influential Algerian companies, specialized in petrochemicals. It employs more than 100,000 people and has operations in Libya, Mauritania and Yemen. 

Their biggest import partner is China and they import products from various sectors, including broadcasting equipments and iron structures. After China, European countries are the main import partners. 94% of Algeria’s exports are petroleum products and they are mainly exported to European countries and to USA. 

There have been strong economic relations between Algeria and Turkey. Especially in the construction sector, Turkish companies completed $13.6 Billion worth projects in Algeria by 2016. Turkish exports concentrate on building materials, machinery and vehicles. There are well-established Turkish companies in Algeria, and new investors can find opportunities in construction materials and machinery products.

Below, you can see the fact sheet, macroeconomic outlook and trade relations of Algeria with Turkey.

Four charts for Algeria. Population rises from about 31 million in 2000 to 41 million in 2017. GDP climbs from about US$55 billion to a peak near US$210 billion in 2012-2014, then falls to about US$170 billion. Total exports fall from about US$80 billion in 2008 to US$35 billion, dropping below imports after 2014. Exports to Turkey decline from about US$3.7 billion to US$2.5 billion while imports from Turkey rise to meet them. Turkey's exports to Algeria in 2008 and 2017: a pie chart splitting the ten largest product groups from all others, the total value of exports, and a table naming those ten products with each one's share. The same figures are listed as a table further down this page.
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Country at a glance

Capital city
Algiers
Official language
Arabic
Population
41 million
GDP
$170 billion
GDP per capita
$4,123
Human Development Index
0.754
Top 3 import partners
China, France, Italy
Top 3 export partners
Italy, Spain, France
Top 3 import products
Cars, Wheat, Packaged Medicaments
Top 3 export products
Petroleum Gas, Crude Petroleum, Refined Petroleum
Trade balance
-$9.5B in net imports

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report (2019). Figures as published, reflecting data to 2017.

Algeria: practical trade guide

What a shipment between Turkey and this market needs, how the goods get there, and what to settle before you sign.

Main ports
Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa, Annaba
Currency
Algerian dinar (DZD)
Trade blocs
AfCFTA, GAFTA, AMU
Trade agreement with Turkey
None in force: standard duties generally apply

Specific to Algeria

  • The import must be domiciled with an Algerian bank before the goods ship, and transport documents must be dated after the domiciliation.
  • Since 2025 importers also file an import programme with the Ministry of Foreign Trade as a condition of domiciliation; the rules have changed several times.

A confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit is the usual protection for a first order.

Standard documents

  • Commercial invoice and packing list
  • Bill of lading or air waybill
  • Certificate of origin issued by a Turkish chamber of commerce
  • Insurance certificate when the Incoterm includes insurance (CIF, CIP)

Before you sign

  • Check the counterparty: registration, activity and references
  • Match the payment structure to the risk: advance or partial payment, documentary collection or a letter of credit
  • Confirm whether your product needs a certificate or registration in this market before production starts

Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change: confirm the current rules for your product with your forwarder, the buyer's customs broker or us before shipping.

Turkey's exports to this market

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report. Figures as published.

2008

$1,511 million

Top 10 products account for 51.1% of the total.

2008
ProductShare of total
Cars11.9%
Other Large Iron Pipes8.9%
Other Small Iron Pipes8.8%
Iron Structures4.4%
Rolled Tobacco3.9%
Raw Iron Bars3.4%
Iron Blocks3.4%
Refrigerators2.5%
Iron Pipes2%
Packaged Medicaments1.9%

2017

$1,932 million

Top 10 products account for 26.8% of the total.

2017
ProductShare of total
Iron Structures6.8%
Iron Stovetops3.6%
Semi-Finished Iron3.1%
Cars2.4%
Mill Machinery2.4%
Other Furniture1.8%
Plastic Pipes1.8%
Vehicle Parts1.7%
Refrigerators1.6%
Non-Knit Men's Suits1.6%

Frequently asked questions

Algeria: what does Turkey export there?
In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $1,932 million. The ten largest product groups made up 26.8% of that total, led by Iron Structures; Iron Stovetops; Semi-Finished Iron.
Algeria: who are its main trading partners?
The three largest import partners are China, France, Italy. The three largest export partners are Italy, Spain, France.
Algeria: what does the country import?
The three largest import products are Cars; Wheat; Packaged Medicaments. The three largest export products are Petroleum Gas; Crude Petroleum; Refined Petroleum.
Algeria: how big is the economy?
Population 41 million, GDP $170 billion, and $4,123 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.754.
Algeria: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?
The trade balance is -$9.5B in net imports.
Algeria: which ports handle goods from Turkey?
The main ports are Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa, Annaba.
Algeria: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?
The import must be domiciled with an Algerian bank before the goods ship, and transport documents must be dated after the domiciliation. Since 2025 importers also file an import programme with the Ministry of Foreign Trade as a condition of domiciliation; the rules have changed several times.
Algeria: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?
Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

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Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets

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