According to a report by the National Office of Statistics (ONS) on foreign trade indicators, 15 key non-hydrocarbon products dominate Algerian exports. These products span semi-processed materials, agri-food products, and industrial goods, with cement and fertilizers leading the way.
Clinker and Fertilizers Lead Exports
Clinker (unground cement), a key intermediate in Portland cement production, is exported raw for grinding in importing countries. In 2023, its export value reached 101.5 billion dinars (approximately $753 million) for a volume of 9.74 million tons.
However, chemical or mineral nitrogen fertilizers take the top spot in absolute value, with exports worth 168.1 billion dinars ($1.25 billion) despite a lower volume of 3.53 million tons. These fertilizers, vital for global agriculture, ensure steady demand and support Algeria’s economic diversification, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons.
Petroleum Solvents and Steel Products
In third place, petroleum solvents (naphtha), used in the petrochemical industry, generated 91.6 billion dinars ($678 million) for 931,913 tons exported, at an average price of $728 per ton.
Next are iron and steel bars, with exports amounting to 64.3 billion dinars ($477 million) for 798,152 tons, or $597 per ton. These products, crucial for construction, account for 7.5% of total non-hydrocarbon export value.
Ammonia and High-Value Products
Anhydrous ammonia, a raw material for fertilizers, was exported for 61 billion dinars ($453 million) across 1.02 million tons, with an average price of $442 per ton.
Among high-value-per-unit products, the following stand out:
- Hydrogen: Only 6,036 tons exported, but valued at 21.9 billion dinars ($163 million), or $26,933 per ton—the most profitable product by price per ton.
- Dates: 83,025 tons exported for 9.9 billion dinars ($73 million), with an average price of $881 per ton, surpassing several industrial products.
Sugar, Phosphates, and Other Products
- Cane sugar: 360,650 tons exported for $244 million, at $677 per ton.
- Natural calcium phosphate: 1.97 million tons for $212 million, at a low price of $108 per ton.
- Industrial glass: $33.3 million for 93,409 tons.
- Gasoline: $59 million at $960 per ton.
The top 15 products collectively generated 663.7 billion dinars ($4.92 billion) for 19.66 million tons exported. These figures highlight Algeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and penetrate new markets, particularly in Africa and Europe.
