Tunisia's Foreign Debt Service Coverage Reaches 120.9%
Thanks to the foreign currency revenues generated by tourism and transfers from Tunisians abroad, Tunisia was able to cover 120.9% of its foreign debt service. In other words, the country received more foreign currency than it spent to honor its external commitments, which is an encouraging sign for the health of its finances.
Key Figures
- The foreign debt service slightly decreased by 3.7%, from 10.9 billion dinars in 2024 to 10.5 billion dinars by the end of September 2025.
- This decline provides temporary relief to public finances and allows for the allocation of resources to social or development projects.
Increase in Transfers and Tourist Revenues
- Transfers from Tunisians abroad reached 6.49 billion dinars, an increase of 8% compared to last year.
- Tourist revenues grew by 8.2%, reaching 6.26 billion dinars by the end of September 2025.
- Together, these two sources generated 12.75 billion dinars in nine months, an amount exceeding the total foreign debt service.
Impact on the Economy
- These foreign currency inflows improve the balance of payments and strengthen the country's financial stability.
- They are essential for supporting the economy.
Challenges Ahead
- Despite this positive news, foreign currency reserves decreased, reaching 24.2 billion dinars, equivalent to 105 days of imports, compared to 114 days a year ago.
- This decline is explained by an increase in imports and growing budgetary needs.
- Energy and food expenditures continue to weigh on the country's finances.
