France risks losing around 30% of urea imports due to Algerian restrictions

Algeria has reportedly instructed domestic producers to suspend urea exports to France, potentially putting around 30% of French imports of this nitrogen fertiliser at risk. According to citing diplomatic and industry sources, the instructions began circulating among producers last week amid deteriorating trade relations between the two countries. The potential restrictions have raised concerns among French farmers, particularly grain producers.

According to the French Fertiliser Trade Association (Afcome) and the French Wheat Growers Association (AGPB), Algeria accounts for approximately one-third of France’s urea imports. This fertiliser is widely used in wheat and other cereal production, meaning that a prolonged suspension of shipments could force French importers to seek alternative suppliers. However, an actual halt in deliveries has not yet been confirmed, while the French Foreign Ministry has stated that it has received no official notification of trade restrictions.

A potential reduction in Algerian supplies poses additional risks to French agriculture amid rising production costs. Urea is manufactured using natural gas, making its cost highly dependent on energy market developments. Higher gas prices and disruptions to international fertiliser trade are already putting pressure on farmers. If Algerian shipments remain restricted for an extended period, competition for fertilisers from alternative sources could intensify, potentially increasing procurement costs for French grain producers.

The developments come amid escalating trade disputes between Algeria and France. Algeria has also imposed informal restrictions on imports of a significant share of French goods since late July, although Algerian authorities deny that such measures exist. Paris has already raised the issue of trade restrictions with its European Union partners, including during a meeting of foreign ministers on October 12.

Trade relations between the two countries have been deteriorating for the second consecutive year. According to French customs data, France’s exports to Algeria declined by 12% in 2025 to €4.2 billion, while imports from Algeria fell by 18% to €5.1 billion. Bilateral trade continued to contract in January–August 2026. Meanwhile, the potential volume of reduced urea exports and the timing of any restrictions remain unknown. For the French agricultural sector, the key concern is the stability of nitrogen fertiliser supplies and the possible impact of disruptions on production costs during the next grain-growing season.

Tags: fertilizers, carbamide, Algeria, France