Between electrical machinery leading exports and a persistently heavy energy bill, Tunisia is navigating a foreign trade landscape marked by sharp contrasts.
Data for the first two months of 2026, published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), paints a picture of an economy pulled between high-performing sectors and structural dependencies, with a few unexpected surprises.
Electrical goods and olive oil lead exports
With TND 3.02 billion in exports (+21% year-on-year), electrical machinery and equipment confirm their role as the country’s industrial engine. Close behind, olive oil stands out with TND 1.32 billion in exports (+20.5%).
The textile sector is holding up, with TND 1.28 billion in exports, though signs of strain are emerging.
Vehicles: a stark imbalance
The automotive sector remains a major deficit driver. Despite a slight rise in exports of spare parts and automotive wiring, Tunisia imports three times more than it exports. “We buy cars but sell almost nothing in return,” an expert noted.
Textiles remain in surplus, but just barely. Exports dipped slightly (-1.9%), while imports of raw materials (cotton, synthetic fibers) also declined (-2.9%). “We’re selling less, but also importing less. The sector is holding, but without real momentum,” an industry professional explained.
Energy and sugar: key deficit drivers
With TND 2.38 billion spent in just two months (+0.7%), the energy bill remains Tunisia’s Achilles’ heel. Meanwhile, sugar imports surged by 740%, jumping from TND 43 million to TND 319 million.
An economy on a fragile balance
Tunisia is exporting more, but still importing nearly as much. Strong sectors (electrical goods, olive oil, aeronautics) are driving growth, but structural dependencies (energy, vehicles) and puzzling spikes (like sugar imports) highlight underlying vulnerabilities.
“We have strengths, but remain vulnerable,” an economist summed up. The key question now: how can these isolated successes be turned into sustainable growth?
