Tunisian Exports Increase by 9% in the First Half of 2026
Sectoral Performance
Tunisian exports have progressed by 9% in the first half of 2026, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS). However, this growth is largely driven by three sectors: energy, agro-food, and mechanical and electrical industries.
- Energy Sector: With a 49% increase, the energy sector records the best performance during this period. This growth is mainly due to the surge in exports of refined products, with a value rising from 245.6 to 807.9 million dinars in one year.
- Agro-Food Sector: The agro-food sector comes in second with a 25% growth. Olive oil remains the main driver of this dynamic, with exports generating 3.38 billion dinars, compared to 2.35 billion dinars the previous year. This sector is also the only one to show a trade surplus, estimated at 971.8 million dinars.
- Mechanical and Electrical Industries: These industries continue to progress with a 9% increase, confirming their weight in Tunisian exports.
Decline in Traditional Sectors
On the other hand, two traditional sectors are experiencing a decline:
- Mining, Phosphates, and Derivatives: Exports in this sector have fallen by 19%, representing the largest decline recorded during the semester.
- Textile, Clothing, and Leather: This sector has also declined by 4%.
Trade with Main Partners
These sectoral performances are reflected in trade with main partners:
- Exports have increased to France (+9%) and Italy (+6%), which remain Tunisia's main outlets.
- Exports have also recorded a significant increase to Egypt (+105%) and Saudi Arabia (+52%).
- In contrast, exports have decreased to several markets, including Morocco (-26%), Algeria (-19%), Libya (-4%), Germany (-0.5%), and Greece (-27%).
Pressure on Foreign Trade
Despite the increase in exports, Tunisia's foreign trade remains under pressure:
- Imports have increased more rapidly (+13%), leading to a widening of the trade deficit to 12.6 billion dinars, compared to 9.9 billion dinars the previous year.
- The import coverage rate by exports has been established at 73%.
This development shows that export growth is driven by a limited number of sectors, while the increase in the import bill, particularly for energy, continues to weigh on the balance of external trade.
