An Analytical Study of the Development of Foreign Trade through Algerian Seaports (2012–2020)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the development of foreign trade activities through Algerian commercial seaports during the period (2012–2020). It also explores a description of commercial ports in Algeria and identifies the most significant problems and challenges they face. This contributes to enhancing the understanding of the Algerian commercial port sector and highlighting its impact on foreign trade. The study focused on a selection of major Algerian commercial ports, including ten primary ports: Algiers Port, Oran Port, Annaba Port, Bejaia Port, Skikda Port, Mostaganem Port, Jijel Port, Arzew Port, Tenes Port, and Ghazaouet Port.
The study found that trade exchanges relying on maritime transport in Algeria are characterized by an imbalance between imports and exports. Even in the third millennium, the Algerian economy remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbon revenues, with hydrocarbon exports accounting for 96% of the total export volume. These exports are primarily handled by specialized oil ports (Arzew, Skikda, and Bejaia), which exclusively facilitate petroleum transportation, reflecting the dominance of the oil sector in Algerian exports. Meanwhile, the other ports primarily serve as import hubs.