December 10, 2020: In their small shop in the city center, brothers Aid and Muntasser sell all kinds of products and clothing from Algeria. “Over there, prices are 40 to 50 percent cheaper than in Tunisia.” These so-called contraband goods are transported “illegally” across the border, located 8 km away, right under the authorities’ noses. “But for us, it’s vital given the very high cost of living; thanks to this, many families are able to survive.” In Haidra, a small town of 4,000 residents, situated at an elevation of 900 m but, more importantly, less than 10 km from Algeria. Apart from an exceptional Roman archaeological site, the town has few other economic activities. Border trade is therefore its main source of income. This involves the smuggling of all kinds of goods, from gasoline to perfume.

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M63-111

December 10, 2020: In their small shop in the city center, brothers Aid and Muntasser sell all kinds of products and clothing from Algeria. “Over there, prices are 40 to 50 percent cheaper than in Tunisia.” These so-called contraband goods are transported “illegally” across the border, located 8 km away, right under the authorities’ noses. “But for us, it’s vital given the very high cost of living; thanks to this, many families are able to survive.” In Haidra, a small town of 4,000 residents, situated at an elevation of 900 m but, more importantly, less than 10 km from Algeria. Apart from an exceptional Roman archaeological site, the town has few other economic activities. Border trade is therefore its main source of income. This involves the smuggling of all kinds of goods, from gasoline to perfume.

ReferenceM63-111

CategoryActualités / 2020 / M63-100 Smuggling and the Informal Economy in Haidra, December 20, 2020

LicenceRM — rights managed

Date taken2020

PhotographerNicolas Fauqué

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