Quiet transformation: Russia has stolen the main buyer of grain from France

Algeria, one of the world's largest wheat importers, has been a regular customer of French grain for many years. However, the market situation began to change. Algeria has quietly found a new wheat supplier — Russia, Algerie Focus reports. The translation of the material publishes Pravda.Ru

"The quiet transformation of the wheat market in North Africa, expressed in the transition to Russian wheat, shows not only changes in the commercial sphere, but also reflects important diplomatic processes," the text says.

The turning point was 2023, when Algeria unexpectedly came in second place among the largest buyers of Russian wheat. This trend continued in 2024, the country still relies on grain supplies from Russia. Such a development of events did not pass without a trace for France and had unpleasant consequences. According to FranceAgriMer, a consulting company specializing in the study of grain markets, imports of French soft wheat to Algeria have decreased significantly.

By the end of October 2023, Algeria imported only 157 thousand tons of French soft wheat, which is significantly less compared to 1.05 million tons for the same period in 2022. This situation has caused discontent in France, as the African market is extremely important for it.

"The decline in French wheat imports to North Africa goes beyond purely economic issues. It also testifies to the deterioration of diplomatic relations between France and its former colonies in North Africa," emphasizes the author of Algerie Focus.

He notes that France's once strong historical ties with such North African countries as Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have noticeably weakened.

The reason for this was geopolitical tensions and various disagreements. In such a situation, French farmers, who have benefited from grain supplies to this region for years, are faced with a new economic and political landscape that they do not like.