Importing vehicles into Africa has undergone spectacular developments in recent years, particularly stimulated by the economic growth of certain countries and the emergence of an urban middle class. The African continent, long considered the refuge for European used vehicles at the end of their life, is now seeing a marked trend towards the importation of newer cars. This change in the automobile market reflects the new aspirations of African consumers, eager to acquire more reliable and less polluting vehicles, as well as the adoption of stricter regulations by several countries to limit the age of imported vehicles.
A changing Algerian market
Faced with the persistent difficulties of the local automobile market, Algeria a undertook a major reorientation of its import policy. The authorization to import vehicles less than three years old, effective since February 2023, has catalyzed a profound transformation of the national automotive landscape. The numbers speak for themselves: imports jumped 150% in the first nine months of 2024, compared to the previous year. This substantial increase demonstrates the enthusiasm of Algerian consumers for this alternative, which allows them to access recent vehicles at more affordable prices, in particular thanks to imports from China.
The challenges of rapid growth
The growth of imports reached impressive heights, going from 9,970 vehicles in 2023 to 26,562 units for the first half of 2024 alone. However, this explosive growth has required regulatory adjustments. The Ministry of the Interior had to intervene in October 2024 to temporarily suspend the issuance of registration documents, a measure which has considerably slowed the pace of imports. The new 2025 finance law also introduces significant restrictions, in particular the non-transferability of imported vehicles for three years after their customs clearance, unless the tax advantages granted are paid.
Towards a sustainable balance
These regulatory measures are not only aimed at curbing imports, but also at structuring the Algerian automobile market. The objective is twofold: meeting the immediate needs of consumers while paving the way for the development of a robust domestic automobile industry. This pragmatic approach makes it possible to fill the void left by the scarcity of new vehicles on the local market, while avoiding speculative excesses. The importation of recent cars thus appears to be a transitional solution, allowing Algerians to access quality vehicles while waiting for the national automobile sector to mature.
