The Algerian Ministry of Transport has clarified its recent ban on transiting imports through Moroccan ports, specifically Tangier-Med. While the ban remains in effect, authorities have allowed companies to proceed with imports of perishable goods, like meat, if the products were loaded onto ships before the January 10th ban date. «Through this letter, you are kindly asked to instruct your services to proceed with the domiciliation of all import operations of products, in particular those perishable and in particular meat, the date of which boarding the ships is prior to January 10», underlines the message from the Ministry's Secretary General. This clarification comes after international shipping companies like Maersk and CMA-CGM, as evidenced by their press releases, began rescheduling services to avoid Morocco in compliance with the initial ban. The Algerian government's move coincides with preparations for the upcoming Ramadan month, during which ensuring product availability, especially perishable goods, becomes crucial. Local media reports indicate plans to import meat and bananas from South America to address potential shortages and price hikes. For the record, the Algerian Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions (ABEF) had instructed banks to «refuse any domiciliation operation for transport contracts which provide for transshipment/transit through Moroccan ports». ABEF also required Algerian companies to «ensure with economic operators that transshipment/transit does not take place through Moroccan ports».
