Tunisia Records $9.9 Billion Trade Deficit in First Half of 2025
According to a press release published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on Friday, Tunisia's trade deficit reached 9,900.5 million dinars (Mtnd) in the first half of 2025, compared to 8,017.4 Mtnd during the same period in 2024.
Trade Deficit Widens Due to Decrease in Exports and Increase in Imports
The widening of the trade deficit is attributed to a slight decrease in exports (-0.6%), which reached 31,773.7 Mtnd, and a more significant increase in imports (+4.3%), which rose to 41,674.2 Mtnd. This development led to a deterioration in the coverage rate, which fell from 79.9% in 2024 to 76.2% in 2025.
Contrasting Export Performances
While overall exports showed a slight decline, several sectors recorded notable increases. The mining, phosphate, and derivatives sector grew by 11.2%, the mechanical and electrical industries sector by 6.2%, and the textile, clothing, and leather sector by 0.4%.
On the other hand, other strategic sectors experienced significant declines. Energy sector exports plummeted by 36.3%, mainly due to a sharp drop in refined product sales (245.6 Mtnd compared to 950.4 Mtnd in 2024). The agri-food sector also declined by 19.1%, primarily due to a decrease in olive oil sales (2,346.6 Mtnd compared to 3,406 Mtnd).
Increase in Imports of Production Goods
On the import side, the increase was driven mainly by equipment goods (+17.6%), raw materials and semi-finished products (+6.2%), and consumer goods (+11.6%). In contrast, energy products decreased by 16.3%, and food products by 2%, which partially offset the overall increase.
Heterogeneous Regional Dynamics
Trade with the European Union, Tunisia's main commercial partner, accounted for 70.3% of exports and 44% of imports.
Exports to the EU Remain Stable
Exports to the EU remained almost stable, reaching 22,348.9 Mtnd in 2025 compared to 22,332.6 Mtnd in 2024. However, disparities emerged: increases in exports to Germany (+15.2%), France (+4.8%), and the Netherlands (+12.4%), but declines in exports to Italy (-7.1%) and Spain (-31.9%).
Diversification of External Markets
Exports to Arab countries showed significant growth, particularly with Libya (+18.7%), Morocco (+40.9%), Algeria (+27.8%), and Egypt (+44.7%), illustrating a diversification of external markets.
Imports from the EU Increase
Imports from the EU increased to reach 18,354 Mtnd. The most notable increases were from France (+13.4%), Italy (+1.4%), and Germany (+10.6%).
Decrease in Imports from Greece and Belgium
Imports from Greece and Belgium decreased by 28.5% and 4.1%, respectively.
Imports from China and Turkey on the Rise
Imports from China (+37.7%) and Turkey (+15.4%) showed significant growth, while those from Russia (-20.1%) and India (-16.5%) declined.
