Tunisia's Textile Sector Sees 2.61% Export Growth in First Five Months of 2025
Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, announced on Wednesday, August 27, in Ksar Hellal, that Tunisia's textile sector exports have increased by 2.61% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
This growth brings the value of exports to 3,942 million dinars, equivalent to approximately 1,178 million euros.
During the opening of the seminar on "Reality and Perspectives of the Textile Sector in Tunisia," the minister specified that forecasts predict a growth rate of around 2% for the entire year 2025, with an expected turnover of 9,365 million dinars.
Despite these positive signs, the sector faces several significant challenges. Abdelhafidh highlighted the strong international competition, the increase in maritime transport costs, and a decline in European consumers' purchasing power. Furthermore, the new European regulations by 2030 – including carbon taxes on exported products and a digital passport for exports – as well as the surge in energy, water, and raw material prices, complicate the situation. Heavy administrative procedures add to these obstacles.
The minister emphasized the need for an ambitious plan to meet the requirements of global markets, promote investment, encourage innovation, and strengthen human skills. Adopting modern technologies within the framework of a smart and clean industry, including reducing carbon emissions, is also a priority.
Among the ongoing initiatives, the second phase of the "Global Program for Textile and Apparel" (GTEX-MENATEX), scheduled for 2024-2027, benefits from a $2 million financing. This program, resulting from Tunisian-Swiss and Tunisian-Swedish cooperation, supports 33 sector enterprises and support structures.
Additionally, within the framework of the CBI project aimed at promoting imports from developing countries, 18 sector enterprises will benefit from a €1.8 million financing, as part of Tunisian-Dutch cooperation, for the period 2023-2026.
The minister specified that foreign funds allocated to the sector amount to approximately 12.5 million dinars in the form of donations.
