Tunis – Tunisia’s trade deficit hit a record level of DT 19,4 (USD 6.9 billion) throughout 2019, according to figures made public by the National Institute of Statistics and published by TAP news agency. In 2018, the trade balance had posted a slightly lower trade balance, at DT 19 billion (USD 6.7 billion).
Tunisia recorded a deficit particularly with China, Algeria, Italy, Turkey and Russia. On the other hand, the country posted a trade surplus with France and Morocco.
Tunisian exports were up by 7% last year from a year before, to DT 43.85 billion (USD 15.56 billion). Increases were recorded in the mining sector, phosphates and derivatives, mechanical and electrical industries, textile and clothing and leather sector, the energy sector (oil and gas) and other manufacturing industries.
On the other hand, the agriculture and food-processing industries sector recorded a drop, following the decrease in olive oil sales.
But imports increased by 5.4% year on year, to DT 63.26 billion (USD 22.45 billion). Imports went up for energy products, particularly natural gas, capital goods, and basic agricultural and food products.
On the other hand, imports posted decreases for mines, phosphates and derivatives, raw materials and semi-finished products.
Sales to Europe accounted for 74% of the Tunisian exports.
Brazil
To Brazil, Tunisia exported USD 60 million, up 106% from the previous year, according to figures from the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. The main products were electric material, petroleum, chemicals, and olive oil.
Sales to Tunisia from Brazil grossed USD 219 million, down 23% year on year. The main products were soy, sugar, corn, coffee and tobacco.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
