The port of Calais, one of France’s main logistics hubs for vehicle traffic, recently experienced a major setback in its export activity to Algeria. In 2024, the port handled around 25,000 new vehicles, but had to give up the contract with Algeria, due to the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Paris and Algiers.
Until recently, the port of Calais was the starting point for the shipment of 10,000 vehicles per year of the Stellantis group (especially the Fiat brand) produced at the Hordain plant, in Northern France. The export contract, started in November 2023 and logistically managed by the Charles André Group (GCA), was however suspended following the decision of Algeria to temporarily block imports of new cars.
This stop is not only linked to political tensions: the Algerian government has chosen to incentivize the national production of vehicles to attract foreign investments and manufacturers.
At the end of 2023, the Fiat factory in Algeria went into operation, producing 18,000 vehicles in the first year and aiming for 60,000 units in 2025, including the Fiat 500 Hybrid and Doblo models. In parallel, negotiations are underway for a major investment of 400 million dollars by Hyundai to open a plant in the North African country. Despite the blow received, the port of Calais does not intend to slow down its operations and aims to diversify its target markets. The goal remains to reach 60,000 units handled in 2024.
In addition to the continuity of the contract with Stellantis for vehicles from English factories (between 35,000 and 40,000 vehicles per year), a new trade flow with Turkey has also been started: on March 20, the Viking Destiny ship docked in Calais with 539 Ford vehicles. The agreement provides for the import of 10,000 Turkish cars per year until 2026.
While trade relations with Algeria remain suspended indefinitely, Calais is looking with confidence to the European and Mediterranean markets to consolidate its strategic role in automotive logistics.
