The textile and clothing sector posted a 7.5% increase in January and February 2012, compared to the same period of 2011, according to statistics published recently by the Tunisian Exports Promotion Center (CEPEX). The value of these exports in millions dinars went up from 815.1 MTD during the first two months of the previous year to 876.6 MTD in 2012 (same period).
The sector’s imports posted a 10.2% growth to reach 536 MTD at the end of the months of January and February 2012.
The trade balance was in a surplus with 340.6 MD, i.e. up 3.6% compared to 2011. However, the coverage rate of imports by exports lost more than 4 percentage points, from 167.6% to 163.5%.
The textile and clothing sector’s exports are dominated at 86% by clothing, against 14% for the textile industry. External sales of clothing rose by 6% during the first two months of 2012.
The rest of the exported products are made of jeans pants, T-shirts, work clothing, lingerie and shirts. Market analysis shows that over 75% of the sector’s exports are destined for European markets, mainly France (34%), Italy (29.2%), Germany (10.3%, down 3.6%) and Belgium (6.7%).
