Valencia Port Regains Its Trade Level with Algeria, Signaling a New Era of Economic Cooperation
In a significant economic turnaround, the Port of Valencia has successfully reestablished its commercial ties with Algeria, nearly returning to the robust trade levels seen before the diplomatic strain that characterized relations between Algiers and Madrid from 2022 to 2024. This remarkable recovery, reported by the Spanish media outlet El Mercantil Valenciano, underscores the resilience of trade partnerships and points to a promising future for bilateral economic exchange.
A Resurgence in Numbers
According to official data released by the Valencia Port Authority (APV), the resurgence has been nothing short of impressive. Goods traffic with Algeria witnessed a substantial increase of 23.11% in tonnage and a staggering nearly 35% in container traffic. This powerful rebound has propelled Algeria to become the port’s fifth-largest partner in terms of total goods volume and its third-most important partner for container traffic, a clear indicator of the relationship’s strategic importance.
The Trajectory of Recovery
The data reveals a compelling story of month-by-month growth throughout 2025. Trade between Valencia and Algeria began the year at a solid 266,381 tonnes in January. By February, this figure had more than doubled to 662,000 tonnes, demonstrating a rapid acceleration. The momentum continued unabated, surpassing the 2 million tonne mark in May and culminating in a remarkable 3.6 million tonnes by September.
A parallel and equally dynamic trend was observed in container traffic. Starting from 18,203 containers in January, the numbers soared to an impressive 240,407 containers by September. This exponential growth trajectory highlights not just a recovery, but a significant expansion of the trade corridor.
Algeria’s Strategic Position in Valencia’s Global Network
With this renewed volume, Algeria now holds a pivotal position within the Port of Valencia’s global network. In the ranking of the port’s international partners for total traffic, Algeria stands firmly behind only Spain, China, Italy, and the United States. Even more notably, in the critical sector of container traffic, Algeria is positioned as a top-tier partner, trailing only the economic powerhouses of China and the United States.
This positioning underscores Algeria’s role as a key maritime gateway for Valencia into North Africa and highlights the mutual economic benefits driving this partnership.
Beyond Natural Gas: A Diversified Trade Portfolio
While energy resources like natural gas remain a cornerstone of the trade relationship, the revitalized exchange is characterized by a rich diversity of goods. The trade flow is no longer monolithic. Spanish exports to Algeria now include a wide array of agricultural products, processed foods, sophisticated machinery, industrial tools, essential spare parts, and various chemical products.
This diversification is a healthy sign for long-term stability. It suggests a mature trade relationship built on multiple pillars rather than a dependency on a single commodity, making it more resilient to market fluctuations and geopolitical shifts.
Implications for the Future
The rapid normalization and expansion of trade between the Port of Valencia and Algeria send a powerful signal to the international business community. It demonstrates that despite past political tensions, deeply rooted economic interdependencies and mutual interest can pave the way for swift reconciliation and growth.
For businesses in Spain and across Europe, the reopened and strengthened Valencia-Algeria corridor offers lucrative opportunities for export and import. For Algeria, it provides reliable access to European markets and high-quality goods. The success of this partnership serves as a model for how diplomacy and commerce can work hand-in-hand to foster regional stability and shared prosperity.
Source: Based on reporting from El Mercantil Valenciano and data from the Valencia Port Authority (APV).