Tunisia’s Industrial Production Rises 2.9% in H1 2026, But Growth Momentum Slows in Q2
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), Tunisia’s industrial output grew by 2.9% in the first half of 2026. However, performance varied significantly across sectors. While the agro-food and mechanical & electrical industries posted solid gains, mining and chemical production continued to contract. Notably, growth decelerated in the second quarter, with industrial output rising by just 1.5%. The first half remains positive overall, but the upward momentum clearly weakened in the spring.
Agro-Food Leads the Charge
The agro-food sector remains the primary driver of Tunisia’s industrial production, with activity surging 9.3% over the first six months of the year. However, this growth moderated in Q2, slowing to 2.6%.
Meanwhile, the mechanical and electrical industries recorded a 4% increase for the half-year, with Q2 output rising by 3.8%. Together, these two sectors provided crucial support to Tunisia’s industrial landscape in H1 2026.
Oil refining posted a striking 123.4% jump over the first six months. However, this figure should be interpreted with caution: the sector experienced multiple operational shutdowns in 2025, meaning the current surge largely reflects a catch-up effect against a depressed baseline.
In contrast, the chemical industry continued its downward trajectory, with production falling 9.2% in H1 and 6.4% in Q2. Mining followed a similar pattern, contracting by 3.5% over the first half and accelerating its decline to -9.9% in Q2. Both sectors remain key vulnerabilities in Tunisia’s industrial portfolio.
Other Sectors Under Pressure
The energy sector also faced headwinds, with output dropping 4% in H1 and 1.1% in Q2. In textiles, apparel, and leather, production declined by 3.4% over the first six months. Construction materials, ceramics, and glass recorded a 4.1% drop for the half-year, though Q2 showed a modest recovery with a 1.2% increase.
Sectors Showing Growth
| Sector | H1 2026 | Q2 2026 | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Refining | +123.4% | — | Sharp rebound, partly driven by low 2025 baseline |
| Agro-Food Industries | +9.3% | +2.6% | Leading manufacturing growth |
| Mechanical & Electrical Industries | +4.0% | +3.8% | Steady, consistent expansion |
Sectors Facing Decline
| Sector | H1 2026 | Q2 2026 | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Industries | -9.2% | -6.4% | Continued significant contraction |
| Mining | -3.5% | -9.9% | Decline accelerates in Q2 |
| Textiles, Apparel & Leather | -3.4% | — | Half-year contraction |
| Construction Materials, Ceramics & Glass | -4.1% | +1.2% | Slight Q2 rebound, but H1 remains negative |
| Energy | -4.0% | -1.1% | Downward trend, though easing in Q2 |
Data source: Institut national de la statistique (INS) | Period: H1 & Q2 2026
