Tunisia’s trade deficit widened to 14.96 billion Tunisian dinars by the end of July 2026, compared with 11.90 billion dinars during the same period in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
The increase was largely driven by the energy trade deficit, which rose to 7.95 billion dinars from 6.04 billion dinars a year earlier. Tunisia also recorded deficits in raw materials and semi-finished products, capital goods and consumer goods. The food sector, however, posted a 1.01 billion-dinar surplus.
Exports increased by 9.9% during the first seven months of 2026, reaching 40.64 billion dinars, supported by growth in mechanical and electrical industries, agro-food products and energy exports. Olive oil exports also increased.
However, imports grew faster, rising 13.7% to 55.60 billion dinars. Energy imports jumped by 35.7%, while food imports increased by 23.6%. Imports of capital goods, consumer goods and raw materials also recorded growth.
The European Union remained Tunisia’s main trading partner, accounting for 70.4% of exports and 45.3% of imports during the period. Exports to France, Italy and Germany increased, while imports from France and Italy also rose.
Overall, Tunisia’s widening trade gap reflects the faster growth in imports, particularly energy and food products.
