The trade exchanges between Tunisia and Algeria have witnessed a remarkable surge of 166% over the past five years, reaching approximately $2.76 billion, according to recent data from the Algerian Export Promotion Center. This growth has positioned Algeria as Tunisia's seventh-largest global trading partner and fourth-largest supplier. The data was presented during a meeting in Algiers, bringing together businessmen and representatives from professional organizations of both countries to explore ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation.
The meeting, organized by "Connect International" in partnership with the Algerian Confederation of Citizen Employers from September 22 to 24, 2026, aimed to foster new partnerships and investment opportunities. The trade exchange structure reveals a significant presence of industrial and energy sectors in Tunisia's imports from Algeria. Conversely, mechanical and electrical industries dominate Tunisia's exports to Algeria, accounting for 56.53%, followed by various chemical industries at 31.53%, and agricultural and food products at 7.05%.
At the investment level, 43 Tunisian companies are active in Algeria, with the mechanical and electrical sectors leading at 30%, followed by the services sector at 23%, and the textile and agricultural sectors each at 16%. The trade between the two countries benefits 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.
To further enhance trade, the report suggests strengthening sectoral cooperation by facilitating the import of components and spare parts for cars manufactured in Tunisia, in exchange for easing the entry of assembled and ready-to-use cars from Algeria. It also calls for developing the infrastructure of border crossings and storage warehouses and accelerating the establishment of border free zones.
The report emphasizes the importance of unifying technical specifications and legal regulations between the two countries to facilitate trade. It also believes that enhancing logistical coordination can support joint exports and benefit from the trans-Saharan road to access African markets. This development could open new avenues for economic collaboration and investment between Tunisia and Algeria.
Algeria's growing role as a trading partner for Tunisia underscores the potential for deeper economic ties between the two nations. By exploring new areas of cooperation and addressing existing challenges, both countries can work towards a more integrated and prosperous economic future. The recent meeting in Algiers represents a step in this direction, highlighting the mutual interest in expanding trade and investment.
As both Tunisia and Algeria look to strengthen their economic relationship, they are poised to capitalize on their geographical proximity and complementary economic sectors. The growth in trade exchanges between the two countries over the past five years serves as a solid foundation for future collaborations, with the potential to significantly impact the economic landscape of the region.
Key points
- The trade exchanges between Tunisia and Algeria have surged by 166% over the past five years, reaching approximately $2.76 billion.
- Algeria is Tunisia's seventh-largest global trading partner and fourth-largest supplier.
- 43 Tunisian companies are active in Algeria, with a significant presence in the mechanical, electrical, and services sectors.
