Tunisia's Trade Deficit Reaches 3 Billion Dinars in First Two Months of 2025
Tunisia's trade deficit has reached approximately 3 billion dinars in the first two months of 2025, compared to around 1.5 billion dinars during the same period in 2024. This increase is mainly attributed to the energy sector deficit, which stands at around 1.5 billion dinars, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS). Excluding the energy sector, the trade deficit amounts to around 1.3 billion dinars.
The energy deficit has slightly increased, reaching 1.6 billion dinars, compared to 1.5 billion dinars in January-February 2024.
Export and Import Trends
The INS has also observed a 4% decrease in exports, totaling 9 billion dinars, while imports have increased by 10%, reaching 13 billion dinars. This surge in imports is mainly due to purchases of raw materials, semi-finished products, consumer goods, and food products. The import coverage rate by exports has been established at 74%, compared to 85% in 2024.
Sector-Specific Export Trends
- Energy sector exports have decreased by 5%, due to a decline in refined petroleum product exports.
- Agricultural and food exports have dropped by 16%, mainly due to a reduction in olive oil sales, from 1.2 billion to 1 billion dinars.
- Exports from the mechanical and electrical industries have decreased by 5%.
- Textile, clothing, and leather exports have slightly decreased by 1%.
- On the other hand, phosphate and its derivatives exports have increased by 9%.
