The trade exchange between Tunisia and Algeria has experienced significant growth, increasing by 166% over the past five years to reach approximately $2.76 billion. This information comes from the latest data released by the Algerian Trade Representative of the Export Promotion Center. Algeria currently ranks seventh among Tunisia's global customers and fourth among its suppliers.
A recent meeting in Algiers brought together businessmen and representatives from professional organizations of both countries to discuss ways to enhance economic and commercial cooperation and explore new partnership and investment opportunities. The meeting was part of a business mission organized by the international organization "Connect" 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. Meanwhile, mechanical and electrical industries account for the largest share of Tunisia's exports to the Algerian market, at 56.53%, followed by various chemical industries at 31.53%, and agricultural and food products at 7.05%.
In terms of investments, 43 Tunisian companies are active in Algeria, with the mechanical and electrical sectors accounting for 30% of them, compared to 23% for the services sector and 16% each for the textile and agriculture sectors. The exchanges between the two countries benefit from customs reductions of up to 40% under the bilateral preferential trade agreement, in addition to customs exemptions stipulated within the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.
The 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. It also calls for developing the infrastructure of border crossings and storage warehouses, accelerating the creation of border free zones, and working to unify technical specifications and legal regulations between the two countries.
Strengthening logistical coordination can support joint exports and benefit from the trans-Saharan road to access African markets, according to the report. Tunisia and Algeria are linked by close commercial and economic relations, including trade exchanges, investments, and cooperation in several sectors such as mechanical and electrical industries, agriculture, textiles, and services.
The geographical proximity and shared land borders offer possibilities for enhancing exchanges and developing joint production chains, especially by improving logistical connections and facilitating the movement of goods between the two countries, which can support joint access to African markets.
Key points
- The trade exchange between Tunisia and Algeria has increased by 166% in 5 years, reaching nearly $2.76 billion.
- Mechanical and electrical industries account for 56.53% of Tunisia's exports to Algeria.
- 43 Tunisian companies are active in Algeria, with 30% operating in the mechanical and electrical sectors.
