The volume of trade exchanges between Tunisia and Algeria has increased significantly over the past five years, rising by 166% to reach approximately $2.76 billion. This information comes from the latest data released by the Algerian Export Promotion Center. Algeria currently ranks seventh among Tunisia's global trading partners and fourth among its suppliers. These statistics were presented during a meeting in Algiers that brought together businessmen and representatives from professional organizations in both countries.
The meeting, which took place from September 22 to 24, 2026, was organized by the "Connect International" organization in partnership with the Algerian Confederation of Citizen Employers. The event aimed to explore ways to enhance economic and commercial cooperation and discover new opportunities for partnership and investment between Tunisia and Algeria. The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening trade relations and identifying areas for growth.
The trade exchanges between Tunisia and Algeria show a notable presence of industry and energy sectors in Tunisia's imports from Algeria. Conversely, Tunisian exports to Algeria are dominated by mechanical and electrical industries, which account for 56.53% of the total. The chemical industry follows with 31.53%, and agricultural and food products make up 7.05%. This distribution indicates a diverse trade relationship between the two nations.
In terms of investment, 43 Tunisian companies are active in Algeria, with the mechanical and electrical sectors accounting for 30% of these investments. The service sector represents 23%, while the textile and agricultural sectors each account for 16%. These investments demonstrate the interest of Tunisian businesses in the Algerian market and their potential for growth.
Trade exchanges between Tunisia and Algeria benefit from customs reductions of up to 40% under the bilateral preferential trade agreement. Additionally, customs exemptions are granted within the framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. To further enhance cooperation, proposals include facilitating the import of car components and spare parts manufactured in Tunisia, in exchange for easing the entry of assembled and ready-to-use cars from Algeria.
Other proposals aim to develop infrastructure at border crossings and storage warehouses, accelerate the creation of border free zones, and harmonize technical standards and legal regulations between the two countries. These measures are expected to facilitate the movement of goods and enhance trade exchanges. Enhanced logistical coordination is also seen as a pathway to support joint exports and leverage the trans-Saharan road to access African markets.
Strengthening economic ties between Tunisia and Algeria is based on their existing commercial and economic relations, as well as the potential offered by their geographical proximity and shared land border. This proximity can help develop integrated production chains, particularly in sectors such as mechanical and electrical industries, agriculture, textiles, and services. The growth in trade exchanges reflects a deepening economic partnership between the two countries.
Key points
- The trade exchanges between Tunisia and Algeria have increased by 166% over the past five years, reaching $2.76 billion.
- Algeria ranks seventh among Tunisia's global trading partners and fourth among its suppliers.
- Mechanical and electrical industries dominate Tunisian exports to Algeria, accounting for 56.53% of the total.
