Imported construction materials bill decreases by 29 percent

Algeria’s Public Treasury gained about $250 million within four months only after it had reduced imported construction materials bill by 29 percent compared to last year. This is due to an importing licences system which eliminated anarchic importing in foreign trade. The government also froze some projects due to financial conditions.

Algeria News Agency (APS) reported on Wednesday that imported construction materials bill reached $607.34 million in Jan-April compared to $856.14 million during the same period in 2015.

Imported quantities also went down to 3.13 million tons compared to 3.46 million tons last year.

The APS said citing the National Center of Information and Customs Statistics that cement imports were estimated at $123.36 million compared to $149.14 million in 2015. 

Iron and steel imports also decreased to $259.76 million compared to $463.9 million in 2016.

Wood imports went down to $206.74 million compared to $224.21 million.

Earlier, Algeria’s housing minister gave instructions to customs to forbid any locally made construction materials to enter the country.

He said figures show a decrease in importing bill which eliminated excess.