According to Algerian Minister of Commerce Mustapha Benmeradi, Algeria plans to reduce the value of imports by 10 billion US dollars in 2018. The Algerian Government intends to implement measures aimed at reducing imports from the 40- 41 billion dollars in 2017 to 30 billion dollars in 2018. Among these measures, Mustapha Benmeradi cited the increase in customs duties, reintroduction of customs duties and domestic consumption tax for some imported finished goods. The Minister also referred to a quota for other product groups whose imports have a strong impact on the trade balance. According to the Minister, some twenty products have been accounting, in the last 10 years, for half of Algerian imports. Next year, the import licensing system will be maintained and the product list will be reviewed. As for vehicles, import licenses will not be issued this year. The Minister said that the suspension of imports falls under the protection of national production, stating that a register was created at the level of the Algerian Ministry of Commerce in which the various requests for protection identified by economic operators are identified. This register will allow investigations to be made in order to ensure that these operators fully or partially cover national demand, respecting the conditions of quality, price and competition. This operation will imply the suspension of imports of similar products from abroad.

(ITALPRESS/MNA).

Source: medNews