The textile industry in Tunisia is performing well despite a challenging global environment that has affected many textile-producing and exporting countries. Tunisia remains one of the EU’s main clothing suppliers.
The textile and clothing sector includes around 1,880 companies, 90% of which are fully export-oriented. Forty-five percent of these companies were established in partnership with foreign investors.
The sector plays a key role in the national economy, accounting for roughly 20% of exports and employing around 176,000 people, over 30% of the manufacturing workforce.
Exports up by TND 6 billion
Haythem Bouajila, President of the Tunisian Federation of Textile and Clothing, announced on Mosaïque FM that the sector’s exports have surpassed the equivalent of six billion dinars.
He added that this figure is consistent with previous years’ results, which ranged between 9 and 9.6 billion dinars, despite global challenges and growing competition from countries such as Egypt, which is heavily investing in denim and jeans.
Bouajila highlighted that Tunisian products are moving upmarket, which partly explains their resilience in the face of international competition.
However, he noted that despite being a driving force of the national economy, many Tunisian companies face difficulties due to shortages of skilled labor, transportation issues, smuggling, and the parallel market.
Tunisia ranks 10th worldwide
According to recent official data, Tunisia ranks 10th globally, ahead of countries like the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, and Egypt.
The value of exports rose from €1.966 billion in 2019 to €2.280 billion in 2022 and €2.358 billion in 2023, despite a significant 16.22% drop in EU imports.
In 2023, textile and clothing exports increased compared to 2022. Clothing exports grew by 6.8% from January to December, reaching TND 8.18 billion in revenue, while textile exports rose by 3.07%.
Overall, the sector’s exports increased by 5.61% in 2023, reaching nearly TND 9.7 billion. The trade balance improved by 12.5 percentage points. With government support and strong mobilization from companies, Tunisia’s textile industry is well positioned to meet future challenges.
Tunisia has focused on product quality to stand out in the European market. While prices have plummeted among competitors, Tunisian companies have maintained their profit margins by offering high-end products.
The country now ranks 10th among EU clothing suppliers, outperforming major players such as the UK and Egypt.
The implementation of an ambitious roadmap, including plans to recycle 90% of wastewater and reduce the carbon footprint by 30% by 2030, is expected to further strengthen Tunisia’s competitiveness in international markets.
