Tunisia’s food trade balance posted a surplus of 983.1 million Tunisian dinars (TND) at the end of August 2026, up sharply from TND 684.1 million during the same period in 2025 — a 43.7% increase, according to data released by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI).
The coverage ratio also improved to 119.3% during the first eight months of the year, reflecting stronger export performance relative to imports.
Exports Outpace Imports
ONAGRI attributed the improved surplus to exports growing faster than imports.
Food exports rose 20.7%, climbing from TND 5 billion at the end of August 2025 to TND 6 billion as of August 31, 2026. The increase was driven largely by a 39.5% jump in olive oil exports.
Imports, meanwhile, grew 17.1% to reach TND 5 billion during the first eight months of 2026, compared with TND 4.3 billion a year earlier.
Olive Oil, Fishery and Citrus Prices Decline
The average export price of olive oil stood at TND 12.51 per kilogram, down 2.5% year-on-year. Export prices for fishery products and citrus fruits also fell, by 7.2% and 12%, respectively.
Grain Import Prices Mixed
On the import side, prices declined for several grain products, including durum wheat (-13.5%), soft wheat (-3.3%) and maize (-2.1%).
However, some imported products recorded price increases, notably barley (+3.6%), sugar (+9.7%) and vegetable oils (+3.3%). Milk and dairy product prices fell 7.7%.
The latest figures from ONAGRI highlight a strengthening food trade position for Tunisia, supported by robust olive oil exports and favorable price trends in key import categories.
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