Phosphate and Mechanical Sectors Provide Lift, While Energy and Olive Oil Exports Drag Overall Figures
Tunisia’s export engine effectively stalled through the first nine months of 2025, posting a marginal increase of just 0.03%, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INS). The near-flat growth underscores a tale of two economies: one powered by rising industrial and mining exports, and another hamstrung by sharp declines in energy and agriculture.
The latest figures, covering the period from January to September, show exports inched up to 46,419.8 million dinars (MD), a negligible rise from the 46,404.6 MD recorded in the same period of 2024.
Sectoral Divergence Defines Trade Landscape
Beneath the stagnant headline number, significant sectoral shifts are at play. The INS report identifies clear winners and losers driving the split performance.
Leading the growth were the mining, phosphates, and derivatives sector, which saw a robust 8% surge in revenues. The mechanical and electrical industries also provided a strong boost, climbing 6.4%.
These gains, however, were largely offset by steep declines elsewhere. The energy sector suffered a dramatic collapse, with export revenues plunging 34.2%, a drop primarily attributed to a steep fall in sales of refined products. The agro-food industry also faced headwinds, declining 14.6% due largely to a downturn in olive oil exports. The textile, clothing, and leather group contracted slightly by 1.3%.
EU Market Remains Anchor with Mixed Results
The European Union, which accounts for more than 70% of Tunisia’s total trade, remains its most critical market. Overall exports to the bloc grew to 32,622.6 MD, up from 32,284.3 MD last year.
Performance among key European partners was mixed. Exports to economic powerhouses Germany, France, and the Netherlands grew by 11.2%, 8.4%, and 7.2% respectively. In contrast, sales to Italy and Spain fell significantly, dropping 10.1% and 20.3%.
Arab Trade Partnerships Show Promising Growth
Beyond Europe, Tunisia saw a notable strengthening of trade ties with its Arab partners. Exports to key North African neighbors surged, with notable increases to Libya (+7.4%), Algeria (+11.6%), Morocco (+35.9%), and Egypt (+33.5%).
Despite the overall stagnation, analysts suggest the data points to underlying resilience in Tunisia’s industrial base and regional trade strategy. The ability of certain sectors to post strong growth, even as others falter, indicates a diversified economy navigating persistent global economic challenges.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
