Tunisia's food trade balance has recorded a significant surplus of 983.1 million dinars tunisiens (MDT) as of August 2026. This marks a 43.7% increase from the 684.1 MDT surplus recorded during the same period in 2025. The improvement in the trade balance is attributed to a rise in exports outpacing imports. According to data from the Observatoire national de l'agriculture (Onagri), the coverage rate has improved to 119.3% during the first eight months of the year.
The value of Tunisia's food exports has increased by 20.7% to 6 billion dinars as of August 2026, up from 5 billion dinars in the same period of 2025. This growth is largely driven by a 39.5% increase in olive oil exports. The average export price of olive oil stood at 12.51 dinars/kg, however, which is 2.5% lower than the previous year. Other food products, including fish and citrus fruits, have also seen a decline in export prices.
On the import side, Tunisia has seen a 17.1% increase in food imports, reaching 5 billion dinars during the first eight months of 2026, up from 4.3 billion dinars in the same period of 2025. Prices of certain imported products have decreased, including wheat, with a 13.5% drop in hard wheat and a 3.3% drop in soft wheat. Maize prices have also decreased by 2.1%. However, some imported products have seen price increases, such as barley, which rose by 3.6%, and sugar, which increased by 9.7%.
The price trends of various food products have been mixed. While the prices of milk and its derivatives have decreased by 7.7%, vegetable oils have seen a 3.3% increase. The diverse trends in global food prices have influenced Tunisia's trade balance. The country's agricultural sector and food industry play a crucial role in its economy, and fluctuations in global prices can have significant impacts.
The growth in Tunisia's food exports and the improvement in the trade balance are notable achievements. The olive oil sector, in particular, has shown significant growth, with a 39.5% increase in exports. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including favorable weather conditions and increased production.
The Tunisian government's efforts to promote agricultural production and improve the competitiveness of the food industry may have contributed to the growth in exports. The country's strategic location and proximity to European markets also provide opportunities for trade. However, the decline in export prices for certain products, such as olive oil, may pose challenges for the industry.
Looking ahead, the food trade balance is likely to remain a key area of focus for Tunisia's economy. The country's reliance on imports for certain food products, such as cereals, may continue to influence its trade balance. The government and industry stakeholders will need to monitor global price trends and adjust their strategies accordingly to maintain a stable and competitive food industry.
Key points
- Tunisia's food trade balance records a 983.1 MDT surplus as of August 2026.
- Olive oil exports increase by 39.5% during the first eight months of 2026.
- Import prices for certain food products, such as barley and sugar, have increased.
