Tunisia’s trade imbalance has reached critical mass, with the deficit ballooning to 14.96 billion Tunisian dinars by the end of July 2026—a sharp escalation from the 11.90 billion dinars recorded during the same period last year, according to fresh data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
The widening chasm in the country’s current account is largely attributable to a staggering surge in the energy trade deficit, which skyrocketed to 7.95 billion dinars, up from 6.04 billion dinars a year earlier. The red ink also spread across raw materials, semi-finished products, capital goods, and consumer goods, signaling broad-based inflationary pressures across the supply chain. In a rare bright spot, the food sector bucked the trend, posting a modest surplus of 1.01 billion dinars, buoyed by strong agricultural output.
While Tunisian exporters managed to push goods abroad at a respectable clip—with exports rising 9.9% to reach 40.64 billion dinars—the momentum was decisively overshadowed by an import bill that grew at an even more aggressive pace. Imports surged by 13.7% to hit 55.60 billion dinars, driven by a 35.7% leap in energy purchases and a 23.6% increase in food imports. Capital goods, consumer products, and raw materials all contributed to the rising tide of foreign spending.
The mechanical and electrical industries, along with agro-food products and energy exports, provided the primary thrust for the export uptick. Notably, olive oil shipments—a perennial staple of Tunisian trade—also registered significant gains in value.
Europe continues to dominate Tunisia’s commercial landscape, solidifying its position as the nation’s preeminent trade partner. The EU accounted for a commanding 70.4% of Tunisian exports and 45.3% of its imports during the seven-month window. Bilateral trade flows with key partners strengthened, with exports to France, Italy, and Germany all posting positive growth, while imports from Paris and Rome similarly climbed.
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