Mixed reactions from Algerians over US tariff policy

China

Mixed reactions from Algerians over US tariff policy

2025-08-02 17:55 Last Updated At：20:37

The U.S. decision to impose 30 percent tariffs on imports from Algeria has triggered mixed reactions from the business community in the North African nation.

Responding to the U.S. tariff policy, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said earlier this month that the move will not impact or undermine Algeria's economic growth.

While the government appears unfazed, certain business sectors have voiced concerns about practical implications.

"The Algerian industries, especially some home appliances that have cautiously started targeting the U.S. market, will, in my view, be affected by the tariffs because they will not withstand the competition," said Najlaa Mohammedi, sales officer of Al Salam Import and Export Company.

"Although this decision may appear to be purely economic, I believe it is not. Why? Because, in my view, the United States is not a political and civil state in the traditional sense, but rather a conglomerate of economic corporations. Therefore, the decision is an unjust one, targeting Algeria with the aim of undermining the economic growth of the countries concerned. Algeria will undoubtedly face the difficult consequences of this decision, but I believe it will only strengthen its resolve to pursue its economic path toward achieving self-sufficiency," said economic analyst Mohamed Tayebi.

Others maintain a hopeful outlook, backing the president's assessment.

"Mr. President, when he was asked about the imposition of these tariffs, he said that the United States of America is a sovereign country, and so is Algeria. We take our own decisions. So, I want to make it clear that Algeria is also going to impose 59 percent tariffs [on the United States]," said Tafrij Mustafa, an export and import specialist in food sector.

US economic activity shows moderate growth amid inflation pressure: Fed Beige Book

U.S. economic activity rose slightly in most districts, with three regions reporting no changes and one region experiencing a moderate decline, the U.S. Federal Reserve said in its Beige Book released on Thursday.

This indicates an improvement compared to the last three reporting periods, during which most regions reported little change in economic activity, according to the Beige Book.

It shows that the outlook for future activity is mildly optimistic, with most expecting slight to modest growth in the coming months.

Most banks reported that the consumer spending went up slightly over the holiday season, buoyed by strong spending from higher-income consumers. Employment was mostly unchanged in the most recent period, with eight of the twelve districts reporting no changes in hiring. Prices grew at a moderate rate across a large majority of districts, with only two districts reporting slight price growth, the survey said.

Cost pressures resulting from tariffs were a consistent theme across all districts, it said.

The Beige Book, officially known as the Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions by Federal Reserve District, is a survey on economic conditions based on information collected from its 12 regional reserve banks. It is published eight times per year.