The Tunisian textile industry, a well-established sector, is acutely aware of the need for continuous improvement to maintain its competitive edge in a global market.
The Centre Technique du Textile (CETTEX) has been at the forefront of this effort, entrusted with a crucial mission to foster innovation and diversification within the industry.
CETTEX offers a comprehensive range of testing and analytical services to Tunisian textile and clothing manufacturers, which are now enhanced by its newly opened laboratories in Tunis.
These state-of-the-art facilities, operational since May 2024, are designed to meet international testing standards, certified to ISO 9000 quality management standards, and accredited by the Tunisian Accreditation Council (TUNAC).
The new labs focus on chemical, physical, and toxicological analyses, bolstering the sector’s move towards sustainable development—an increasingly vital consideration for key European markets.
This expansion adds to Tunisia’s existing testing infrastructure, complementing facilities like ICQ-MED sarl in Tunis and the Tunisian-Belgian TTS Total Testing Service in Menzel Harb, near Monastir.
CETTEX’s collaboration with Centre Testing International Ltd (CTI), based in Shenzhen, China, and financial backing from the Tunisian government, GIZ, and PTB, has been instrumental in establishing these new laboratories, with an investment of €2 million ($2.23 million).
Since its inception in 1992, CETTEX, overseen by the Tunisian Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, has partnered with the private sector to offer testing services primarily to the textile and clothing industry. The recent innovations, including a 100% digital service and the introduction of online payment options, respond to increasing demand from major clothing and textile brands for more robust testing facilities in Tunisia.
CETTEX CEO Mohsen Moussaoui emphasized the significance of these developments: “Our vision is to open up to the international market, welcoming both foreign and domestic operators. The competitive pricing of our new labs compared to the private sector underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible services.”
A Mixed Performance in 2024 Exports
Despite these advancements, Tunisia’s textile and clothing exports have experienced mixed results in the first five months of 2024. The clothing sector saw a decline in exports, with warp and weft garments dropping by -10.25% in value (TND) and -14.85% in weight (tons), and knitwear by -11.43% in value and -12.13% in weight. Key markets such as France, Italy, and Germany reported significant decreases, though exports to Belgium showed a slight increase in value despite a drop in weight.
On the other hand, textile exports presented a more positive outlook, rising by 2.51% in value, although they fell by 9.90% in weight.
Notably, the “Household Linen” category saw an 11.30% increase in value, offsetting a decline in “Yarns & Threads.”
France and Spain emerged as bright spots, with textile export values increasing by 6.79% and 28.41%, respectively, while other major markets like Italy and the Netherlands experienced declines.
