While Algerian authorities continue to attack Morocco for resuming ties with Israel, a report published by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) in Boston reveals a striking contradiction. According to the report, Algeria-Israel trade has been steadily growing since 2017, reaching record figures. This finding, backed by official UN statistics, raises crucial questions about the Algerian regime’s double standards between political slogans and economic reality.
Algeria… A Key Trade Partner for Israel!
The report indicates that Algeria has become Israel’s fourth-largest Arab trading partner, following the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt. Data shows that Algerian exports to Israel exceeded $30 million, primarily consisting of hydrogen and energy products, demonstrating a steady trade relationship despite official denials.
In 2017, Algeria’s exports to Israel reached $30.5 million, and they continued to grow progressively, surpassing $21 million in 2022. Ironically, Moroccan exports to Israel have declined, dropping from $64 million in 2018 to just $10.2 million in 2020.
Algerian Regime’s Double Standards: Allowed for Them, Forbidden for Others?
For years, the Algerian regime has promoted a hostile narrative against Morocco, accusing it of betraying the Palestinian cause by normalizing relations with Israel. However, Algeria itself, while pushing this anti-Israel rhetoric, has actively engaged in trade with Israel, supplying it with essential energy resources.
Why does Algeria criticize Morocco while maintaining trade relations with Israel?
Should this be considered political hypocrisy, or is it simply a case of economic interests outweighing ideological rhetoric?
What Do International Data Reveal?
In addition to the OEC report, the United Nations’ UN Comtrade database confirms these findings. According to “Trading Economics”, Algeria’s exports to Israel increased from $9.77 million in 2020 to $14.9 million in 2021, the same year Algeria launched an aggressive campaign against Morocco for normalizing ties with Israel.
What Do These Figures Mean?
These numbers prove that Algeria’s official rhetoric on “rejecting normalization” does not align with its trade reality. Despite branding itself as a defender of the Palestinian cause, Algeria has never halted its trade with Israel but has instead expanded it, while Moroccan exports to Israel have declined, despite official agreements between the two countries.
