The trade deficit worsened at the end of November 2017 to reach 14,362.4 million dinars (MD) against 11628.0 MD, during the same period in 2016.
According to the foreign trade statistics for the 11 months 2017, published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the coverage rate recorded, therefore, a decrease compared to the same period of the year 2016 to 68.3% and 69.4% respectively.
The trade deficit worsened with some countries, such as China (-3,997.4 MD), Italy (-1,882.7 MD), Turkey (-1,661.5 MD), Russia (-1,058. 1 MD) and Algeria (-654.1MD).
On the other hand, the trade balance registered a surplus with other countries, mainly with France (first partner of Tunisia) by 2,737.6 MD, Libya (771.8 MD) and the United Kingdom (184.8MD).
The deficit of the non-energy trade balance is reduced to 10,533 MD and the deficit of the energy balance amounts to 3,829.4 MD (26.7% of the total deficit) against 2,662.3MD during the eleven months of the year 2016.
The results of Tunisia’s external trade at current prices, during the eleven months of 2017, show that exports continue to grow at a steady pace.
Indeed, exports increased by 17.3% against 4.5% during the same period of 2016.
In value, exports reached the level of 30,971.3 MD against 26,394.6 MD during the same period of 2016.
The INS noted that the increase observed in exports during the eleven months of 2017 concerns the majority of sectors.
Indeed, the energy sector has seen a significant increase compared to the same period in 2016, following the increase in sales of crude oil (1,035.9 MD) and refined products (706.7MD).
Similarly, the agriculture and agri-food industry grew by 14.6% as a result of the increase in date sales (488.3 MD).
The mechanical and electrical industries sector grew by 19.7% and the textile and clothing and leather sector went up by 16.5%.
The same is true for the manufacturing sector, which grew by 15.5%.
On the other hand, the mining, phosphates and derivatives sector recorded a 3% decrease, following the drop in phosphoric acid exports (400.9 MD).
Similarly, imports maintained a remarkable growth rate, registering an increase of 19.2% against 4.3% during the same period of 2016.
Imports reached 45,333.7 MD In value at the end of November 2017 against 38,022.6 MD, during the same period of the year 2016
