The trade exchange between Libya and Tunisia has shown significant growth, reaching 2.89 billion dinars in 2025. This makes Libya the tenth largest trading partner for Tunisia and the second largest in the Arab world after Algeria. The growth rate of trade between the two countries has been 13.8% per annum from 2016 to 2025, surpassing the overall growth rate of Tunisia's trade with other countries, which stood at 8.1% during the same period.
In the first seven months of 2026, Tunisia's exports to Libya amounted to 1.42 billion dinars, while its imports from Libya were valued at 481.8 million dinars. The Libyan market is crucial for Tunisian companies due to its geographical proximity and diverse needs. The trade between the two countries is also driven by a wide network of economic relations and cross-border trade activities.
The composition of trade between Libya and Tunisia reveals a clear complementarity in their exchange. Manufactured products account for 84.9% of Tunisia's exports to Libya, including cement, refined oils, cleaning products, animal feed, medicines, and pasta. In contrast, Tunisia's imports from Libya are largely dominated by the energy sector, with crude oil making up 76.7% of total imports, along with sulfur and semi-finished steel products.
Despite the growth in trade, a report by the Tunisian "Web Manager Center" indicates that Tunisia only exploits 55.1% of the available trade potential in the Libyan market. This leaves untapped trade opportunities worth $282.1 million. A significant portion of these opportunities lies in the sectors of clothing, textiles, and electronic machinery, which could expand the presence of Tunisian companies in the Libyan market.
The growth in trade between Libya and Tunisia faces challenges related to border procedures and logistical capacity at border crossings. The Ras Jedir crossing is a key passage for trade between the two countries, but recent reports have noted a decline in truck traffic. Both countries have previously discussed developing cooperation mechanisms and addressing obstacles to the movement of goods across borders, including the need for improved logistical services and streamlined customs procedures.
The Libyan market offers significant potential for further expansion of Tunisian exports, particularly given Tunisia's industrial base capable of providing a variety of products to meet Libyan demands. Conversely, Libya possesses resources, markets, and investment needs that can support increased trade, especially in infrastructure and construction sectors. Enhancing logistical infrastructure, facilitating trade and customs procedures, and developing financing mechanisms and partnerships between companies can help realize untapped opportunities and strengthen economic integration between the two countries.
Key points
- Trade between Libya and Tunisia reached 2.89 billion dinars in 2025.
- Tunisia's exports to Libya were valued at 1.42 billion dinars in the first seven months of 2026.
- Untapped trade opportunities between Libya and Tunisia are estimated at $282.1 million.
