Algeria is still struggling to reach overseas markets with its agricultural exports, which stood at an estimated US$35m in 2009, according to daily newspaper Le Temps d'Algérie.
Dates, truffles, carob seeds, onions and shallots make up the main products exported by the country in 2009.
Revenue came in at some US$12.7m for dates, which experienced a drop compared with 2008, while truffles earned US$12m, carob seeds US$6m and onions US$4m.
According to experts, such low revenue can be attributed to a number of factors, including the fact that products are not adapted to the demands of foreign customers and very strong local demand.
Another issue concerns transportation, according to Le Temps d'Algérie. Algerian exporters are constrained to using the port of Algiers, incurring additional costs and experiencing significant wastage.
The port of Djendjen reportedly has a better strategic location, but lacks adequate facilities for the conservation of perishable products.
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