Skikda Port Ships 3,000 Tons of Steel to Mauritania Amid Export Diversification Push
Takeaway
The shipment of steel from Skikda Port to Mauritania signals a tactical shift in Algeria's trade strategy, moving beyond hydrocarbons. Investors should monitor the development of infrastructure projects like the Tindouf-Zouerate road and the establishment of free trade zones, as these will significantly impact regional trade flows. Companies in the construction, logistics, and manufacturing sectors stand to benefit from increased trade between Algeria and Mauritania.
The Port of Skikda has exported 3,000 tons of construction steel to Mauritania, marking a new step in Algeria's efforts to boost exports and strengthen its presence in African markets. The shipment is part of Algeria's strategic move to diversify its exports beyond hydrocarbons and expand regional economic partnerships. The steel was shipped sometime prior to March 25, 2026, the current date.
This export aligns with Algeria's broader strategy to reduce its reliance on oil and gas revenues, which have historically accounted for over 90% of the country's export earnings. The government aims to increase non-hydrocarbon exports to $29 billion by 2030. To achieve this, Algeria is implementing various policies to strengthen foreign trade management and secure essential financing. In February 2024, Algeria and Mauritania opened a border gate to boost trade and agreed to establish a free trade zone and construct an 847-kilometer road linking Tindouf, Algeria, to Zouerate, Mauritania. In 2024, Algeria's exports to Mauritania totaled $81.6 million, with main products including cement ($44.9 million), tropical fruits ($9.4 million), and animal or vegetable fertilizers ($7.46 million).
The Port of Skikda, formally opened in 1982, is one of Algeria's most important oil-exporting ports, handling oil from the Hassi Messaoud oil fields. In 2021, the port's total traffic reached 22,064,586 tons, a 5% increase compared to 2020, with hydrocarbon traffic accounting for 19,364,086 tons. The port also handles the export and import of metallurgical products, cereal imports, large equipment, and packaged goods. The port has a channel depth of 13.7 meters, accommodating large vessels and oil tankers. In the first four months of 2022, the Skikda port exported over 325,000 tons of clinker to European, African, and American markets.
The export of steel to Mauritania benefits both countries by fostering stronger economic ties and increasing trade volumes. In May 2025, the Algerian-Mauritanian Business Council proposed a preferential trade agreement to deepen commercial ties, support barter-based exchanges, and stimulate growth in border regions. Bilateral trade between Algeria and Mauritania totaled $215.8 million in 2024. Algeria is expanding investments in Mauritania to counter Moroccan influence, as Morocco has expressed concerns over the growing ties between Algeria and Mauritania.
Looking ahead, Algeria needs to prioritize institutional coordination by developing a comprehensive national export strategy to achieve sustainable economic diversification. The government aims to reduce the hydrocarbons sector's contribution to the national economy by 20% by 2025. Key factors to watch include the implementation of the free trade zone with Mauritania, the completion of the Tindouf-Zouerate road, and the diversification of Algeria's export markets. Risks include the impact of fluctuating global oil prices and the need to transition to greener production methods to meet European carbon tax requirements.