Tunisian Textile and Apparel Sector: A Key Driver of the Economy
Fatma Thabet Chiboub, Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, chaired a meeting on March 2, 2026, focusing on the textile and apparel sector, which accounts for 5.5% of Tunisia's GDP and is a significant engine for the economy.
Meeting Attendees and Discussions
The meeting was attended by Afef Chachi Tayari, Chief of Staff, Haithem Bouagila, President of the FTTH, and Saber Kilani, Director General of the sector. They discussed the daily challenges faced by the industry, including:
- Simplifying licensing procedures
- Obtaining anti-fire certificates
- Increasing access to foreign markets
Sector Overview
The textile and apparel sector is a vital component of the Tunisian economy, with:
- 1,500 enterprises operating in the sector
- 85-87% of these enterprises exporting their products
- 160,000 people employed, representing 29% of industrial jobs and 31% of the country's factories, according to the FTTH
- The sector contributes 5.5% to the country's GDP each year, making it an effective driver of economic growth and employment
International Presence
The sector boasts:
- 200 international companies operating in Tunisia, accounting for 75% of industrial exports
- High-quality products, with 52% of jobs in the sector related to export-oriented production
- A strong presence in the European market, with 87% of exports going to Europe, particularly to countries such as France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and the US
Market Leadership
Tunisia is:
- The leading supplier of professional clothing to the EU, with a 17.44% market share in 2024
- Ranked 4th in the EU for jeans production, with 16.84 million pieces exported, valued at 357.6 million euros
