Far from being self-sufficient in energy, Tunisia appears to have found a key oil partner in Azerbaijan. According to Azerbaijan’s foreign trade customs statistics published by the State Customs Committee, the country exported 307,200 tons of crude oil and petroleum products derived from bituminous minerals to Tunisia between January and May, with a total value of $187.6 million.
The committee’s data show that this represents an increase of $150.2 million in value, or five times more than during the same period in 2025, while export volumes rose by 243,000 tons, or 4.8 times year-on-year.
During the corresponding period last year, Azerbaijan exported 64,200 tons of crude oil and petroleum products to Tunisia, worth $37.4 million.
The committee also reported that, between January and May this year, Azerbaijan exported a total of 8.828 million tons of crude oil and petroleum products to global markets, valued at $5.121 billion, according to Trade News Agency.
Compared with the same period in 2025, Azerbaijan’s overall oil exports declined by $522 million, or 9.2%, in value and by 1.535 million tons, or 14.8%, in volume.
Italy remained the largest importer of Azerbaijani oil during the January-May period, purchasing 5.339 million tons worth $3.021 billion, followed by Romania with 461,300 tons valued at $247.8 million, and the Czech Republic with 433,100 tons worth more than $245.7 million.
Beyond trade, Azerbaijan and Tunisia maintain friendly bilateral relations underpinned by close diplomatic, cultural and religious ties. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1998, the two countries have worked closely within multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement. Energy cooperation, particularly crude oil exports, has become an increasingly important component of their bilateral relationship.
Deeper integration between the two energy markets
According to an analysis by Trend, the sharp rise in Azerbaijani oil exports to Tunisia reflects a significant strengthening of bilateral energy cooperation, despite the broader decline in Azerbaijan’s global oil exports.
Shipments to Tunisia exceeded 300,000 tons, highlighting the emergence of new supply routes, or the expansion of existing ones, for Azerbaijani crude.
With exports approaching $200 million in value, the increase reflects not only higher volumes but also stronger commercial positioning in the North African market.
The year-on-year surge points to growing Tunisian demand for Azerbaijani petroleum products and deeper integration between the two countries’ energy markets.
At the same time, Azerbaijan’s overall oil exports declined in both volume and value, signaling shifts in global demand and a possible reorientation of trade flows.
Nevertheless, the strong performance in markets such as Tunisia demonstrates Azerbaijan’s ability to diversify its export destinations while maintaining strategic partnerships.
Meanwhile, sustained demand from European buyers including Italy, Romania and the Czech Republic reinforces Azerbaijan’s established role in regional energy supply chains.
Overall, the figures illustrate a flexible and adaptable export strategy that balances traditional markets with emerging bilateral opportunities.
