Tunisia’s market share of European Union imports remained unchanged at 0.53% for the second consecutive year in 2025, according to the Central Bank of Tunisia’s (BCT) annual report published Tuesday.
While Tunisian exports denominated in euros to the bloc showed some recovery, growing 2.8%, marginally outpacing the 2.4% increase in overall European imports, the improvement was insufficient to drive a significant uptick in Tunisia’s relative position.
A breakdown by product group reveals divergent trends that are shaping the country’s trade standing.
Winners: Machinery and chemicals
The “Machinery and Transport Equipment” category saw its market share edge up by 4 basis points to 0.70%. This performance reflects the strong showing of mechanical and electrical industries, whose sales to the EU surged by 12.6%.
Similarly, “Chemicals and Related Products” gained one basis point to reach 0.12%. Tunisian euro-denominated exports in this segment rose 15.4%, a sharp acceleration from the 0.3% growth recorded the previous year, outpacing the 7% increase in European imports.
However, even with a broader recovery in mining, phosphate, and derivative exports in 2025, and continued consolidation in plastic goods sales, the positive momentum was not enough to meaningfully improve the sector’s relative position.
Losers: Food, fuel and raw materials
In contrast, “Basic Products” suffered a sharp contraction, falling from 1.15% to 0.78% of the EU market. The decline was primarily driven by a 16.2% drop in olive oil export values, following a 47.7% collapse in average export prices.
“Mineral Fuels, lubricants and related products” also lost ground, slipping 2 basis points to 0.11%. This contraction reflects a steeper decline in Tunisian exports to the EU compared to European imports, against a backdrop of falling domestic hydrocarbon production and lower international Brent crude prices.
For “Food Products, beverages and tobacco,” Tunisian exports to the EU grew at a slower pace than European imports, causing Tunisia’s share to edge down from 0.29% to 0.28% year-on-year. Meanwhile, “other manufactured goods” held steady at 0.90%, following a 7-basis-point deterioration in 2024.
Fierce competition on the European chessboard
On the European stage, Tunisia faces intensifying competition. China reinforced its dominance with a 22.25% market share, followed by Turkey, which advanced to 4.11%.
While Bangladesh also gained ground (0.84%), regional competitors such as Morocco (1.01%) and Egypt (0.49%) both saw their EU market shares contract in 2025.
