Tunisia’s Seafood Exports Grow in Volume and Value in First Half of 2026

Tunisia’s seafood exports recorded growth in both volume and value during the first half of 2026. According to data from the National Agriculture Observatory (Onagri), nearly 14,000 tons of seafood were exported, generating revenue of 329 million dinars. This compares to 13,600 tons and 323 million dinars during the same period in 2025, representing a 2.9% increase in quantities and a 1.9% rise in value.

Volume Growth Outpaces Price Appreciation

While the overall trend is positive, the growth in revenue is primarily driven by increased export volumes rather than higher product valuation. The average export price actually declined by 1.3%, dropping from 23.8 to 23.5 dinars per kilogram. This indicates that the sector’s financial performance relies more on scaling output than on improving the unit price of its products.

Fish Dominates Export Categories

Fresh fish remains the leading export category by a significant margin. In the first six months of 2026, fish accounted for 7,300 tons, or 50.3% of total export volumes. The breakdown of other key categories is as follows:

Canned and semi-canned products: 3,300 tons (22.7% of total volume)
Crustaceans: 2,900 tons (20% of total volume)
Mollusks: 6.9% of total volume

This structure highlights the strong external demand for high-value marine products while also underscoring the critical role of processing activities in the value chain, particularly for canned and semi-canned goods.

Mediterranean Markets Remain Key Destinations

Tunisian seafood was exported to more than 37 destinations in the first half of 2026. The Mediterranean region continues to dominate the sector’s export landscape:

Italy: 37% of export value
Spain: 12% of export value
Libya: 11% of export value
Algeria: 10% of export value

Together, these four countries account for 70% of the total export value, reinforcing the strategic importance of Mediterranean markets for Tunisia’s fishing industry.