The trade exchange between Tunisia and Algeria has witnessed a significant surge, rising by 166% over the past five years, reaching a total value of approximately $2.76 billion. This growth is according to recent data released by the Algerian Export Promotion Center's trade representative. The substantial increase highlights the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Algeria currently ranks seventh among Tunisia's global customers and fourth among its suppliers. This information was presented during a meeting between businessmen and representatives of professional organizations from both countries in Algeria. The gathering aimed to explore ways to enhance economic and commercial cooperation, as well as discover new opportunities for partnerships and investments.
The meeting was part of a business mission organized by the "Connect International" organization in partnership with the Algerian Confederation of Citizen Employers from September 22 to 24, 2026. The trade exchange composition reveals a notable presence of the industrial and energy sectors within Tunisia's imports from Algeria. Conversely, mechanical and electrical industries dominate Tunisia's exports to Algeria, accounting for 56.53% of the total.
The industrial sector is followed by various manufacturing industries at 31.53%, and agricultural and food products at 7.05%. On the investment front, 43 Tunisian companies are active in Algeria, with the mechanical and electrical sectors accounting for 30% of these investments. The services sector accounts for 23%, while the textile and agricultural sectors each account for 16%.
The trade exchanges between the two countries benefit from customs reductions of up to 40% under the bilateral preferential trade agreement. Additionally, they enjoy customs exemptions as per the Greater Arab Free Trade Area agreement. A report suggests enhancing sectoral cooperation by facilitating the import of car components and spare parts manufactured in Tunisia, in exchange for easing the entry of assembled and ready-made cars from Algeria.
The report also recommends developing border crossing infrastructure and storage warehouses, accelerating the creation of border free zones, and harmonizing technical specifications and legal regulations between the two countries. Strengthening logistical coordination can support joint exports and leverage the trans-Saharan road to access African markets. Tunisia and Algeria share close commercial and economic relations, including trade exchanges, investments, and cooperation in various sectors.
The geographical proximity and shared land borders between Tunisia and Algeria offer potential for enhancing exchanges and developing joint production chains. This can be achieved by improving logistical connections and facilitating the movement of goods between the two countries, ultimately supporting joint access to African markets. The two nations can capitalize on these opportunities to further bolster their economic ties.
Key points
- The trade exchange between Tunisia and Algeria has increased by 166% over the past five years, reaching $2.76 billion.
- Algeria ranks seventh among Tunisia's global customers and fourth among its suppliers.
- 43 Tunisian companies are active in Algeria, with the mechanical and electrical sectors accounting for 30% of these investments.
