Algerian dairy processors face delays and limits on milk-powder import permits

Imports resume after a months-long freeze

Algeria has begun allowing private dairy companies to import milk powder again after suspending authorizations for several months, according to Africa Intelligence. The government issued the first exemptions to private processors in late August, reopening access to a raw material used by the country’s large dairy manufacturers.

The restart remains narrow. Africa Intelligence reports that the quantities authorized by the government are still very limited, despite strong demand from national companies. The gap between formal permission to import and the volumes actually approved is therefore the immediate constraint facing processors.

Soummam moves to secure 40,000 tonnes

Soummam, described by the publication as being under severe strain, responded to the first exemptions by moving quickly to order 40,000 tonnes of milk powder. The size of the order illustrates the volume of material required by a major processor after several months in which private-sector imports were frozen.

Soummam and Tchin-Lait are among the large private dairy businesses seeking new authorizations from Algiers. Their concern is not simply whether imports are permitted in principle, but when approvals will arrive and how much powder each company will be allowed to purchase. With authorizations handled through government decisions, the timing and size of each exemption directly affect procurement planning.

Limited permits create supply uncertainty

For processors, delayed or restricted access to milk powder can complicate production scheduling and the allocation of available raw material across product lines. Companies must prepare purchases, shipping and factory operations without certainty that requested volumes will be authorized. The 40,000-tonne order reported for Soummam may secure material for the company only if the necessary import clearance covers that volume.

The immediate market issue is consequently the pace at which Algeria expands the first late-August exemptions. If permits remain limited, large processors will continue competing for restricted import allocations while managing their available supplies. Faster or larger authorizations would give Soummam, Tchin-Lait and other national companies greater visibility over production. Africa Intelligence’s report does not specify the total volume approved across the private sector, the duration of the new exemptions or when additional permits will be issued, leaving those questions central to the outlook for Algeria’s dairy industry.