São Paulo – Exports remained practically stable (-0.6%) while imports rose (+4.3%), leading Tunisia to widen its trade balance deficit in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released on Friday (11) by its National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Tunisia exported the equivalent of USD 10.8 billion between January and June and imported USD 14.2 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 3.4 billion. In the same period last year, the deficit was USD 2.7 billion.
According to the INS survey, exports grew in the mining, phosphates and derivatives sectors; mechanical and electrical industries; and textile, clothing, and leather sectors. Shipments fell in the energy sector (which includes oil and derivatives) and in agribusiness, due to a 32.3% drop in olive oil sales, which is Tunisia’s top export product. Olive oil sales fell from USD 3.4 billion in the first half of last year to USD 2.3 billion between January and June this year.
In contrast, imports of capital goods, raw materials, and semi-manufactured products increased. France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Libya, and the United States were the leading destinations of Tunisian exports. China, Italy, France, Algeria, Germany, and Russia were the country’s leading suppliers between January and June.
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Translated by Guilherme Miranda
