Algeria opens market to US sheep imports amid livestock shortages | Food Business Middle East & Africa - No. 1 Food & Beverage Formulation, Processing & Packaging Publication
ALGERIA – Algeria has agreed to open its market to sheep imports from the United States, allowing American livestock destined for slaughter to enter the country following a bilateral agreement between the two. . .
ALGERIA – Algeria has agreed to open its market to sheep imports from the United States, allowing American livestock destined for slaughter to enter the country following a bilateral agreement between the two governments. The announcement was confirmed in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Algiers, which said the deal was reached between the agriculture ministries of both countries as part of expanded cooperation in the livestock sector. The decision comes as Algeria faces ongoing pressure on its domestic sheep production, which has been affected by successive droughts that reduced forage availability and increased production costs. As a result, the country has become increasingly dependent on imports to maintain the red meat supply in the local market. The agreement follows a broader import policy already in place under Algeria’s 2026 finance framework, which provides tax exemptions for sheep imports intended for slaughter during a defined period linked to religious demand. Under that policy, imports were previously exempt from customs duties, value-added tax, and several other charges until June 30, 2026, to meet Eid al-Adha demand. After that period, sheep imports are expected to be subject to a reduced customs tariff of 5% through the end of 2026. Rising import demand amid livestock constraintsAuthorities had already authorised large-scale sheep imports in previous years to stabilise domestic prices and ensure availability during peak consumption periods. In 2025, Algeria approved the import of one million sheep, a measure that was extended into 2026 as market pressures continued. By mid-May 2026, approximately 821,000 sheep had already been imported or were in the process of entering the country, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. The United States now joins Spain, Romania, Brazil, and Uruguay among approved suppliers of live sheep to the Algerian market. Algeria imported an estimated US$135 million worth of sheep in 2025, reflecting its growing reliance on external supply sources to meet domestic demand. Officials said the diversification of import origins is intended to improve supply stability while addressing structural constraints in domestic livestock production. The agreement is expected to further expand trade flows in live animals as Algeria continues efforts to balance market supply with rising consumption needs. Sign upHEREto receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on ourWhatsApp channelfor updates.