US Trade Pressure on Algeria: The U.S. Department of Commerce imposed a 72.94% countervailing duty on Algerian steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar), effective July 6, stacking on earlier antidumping duties and adding fresh strain to Algeria’s oil-dependent economy. IMF Fiscal Warning: In its 2026 Article IV review, the IMF urged Algeria to tighten fiscal policy, stop financing deficits via money printing, and stand ready to tighten monetary policy if inflation persists, warning that buffers are eroding despite growth support from higher hydrocarbon prices. Money-Laundering vs Macroeconomics: Algeria’s exit from the FATF gray list was noted as progress, but IMF messaging highlights deeper structural weaknesses, including high deficits and reliance on central bank financing. Crypto Policy Shift: Algeria’s broader digital-finance debate echoes as a government moved away from a blanket crypto ATM ban toward targeted rules limiting cash transactions for virtual assets. Energy & Investment Angle: Algeria’s solar push is tied to market design—industry voices say opening the energy market to international players could help reach 15 GW by 2035. Diplomacy: Algeria appointed a new ambassador to Uzbekistan, signaling continued efforts to expand trade and investment links. Business & Tech Spotlight: Artify, an Algerian startup, is using immersive 3D virtual tours to digitize heritage sites like Tassili n’Ajjer and Timgad, aiming to boost access and preservation. Urban Liveability Watch: Algiers ranked among the bottom 10 globally in a liveability index, with infrastructure scoring weak—another reminder that public services remain a business risk.