According to data released by the National Observatory of Agriculture, Tunisia's food trade balance has shown significant improvement, registering a surplus of 983.1 million dinars as of August 2026. This represents a substantial increase of 43.7% compared to the same period in 2025, when the surplus was 684.1 million dinars. The improvement in the trade balance is attributed to a rise in exports outpacing imports.
The National Observatory of Agriculture reported that the coverage rate has also improved, reaching 119.3% during the first eight months of 2026. This increase is primarily due to a 20.7% rise in exports, which grew from approximately 5 billion dinars as of August 2025 to 6 billion dinars as of August 2026. The growth in exports is largely attributed to an increase in olive oil exports, which rose by 39.5%.
In contrast, imports also increased, but at a slower rate of 17.1%, reaching 5 billion dinars during the first eight months of 2026, compared to 4.3 billion dinars during the same period in 2025. The average export price of olive oil was 12.51 dinars per kilogram, representing a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, export prices for seafood and citrus products declined by 7.2% and 12%, respectively.
The prices of imported grain products decreased, with a 13.5% drop in hard wheat, a 3.3% decrease in soft wheat, and a 2.1% decline in corn. However, some imported products experienced price increases, including barley, which rose by 3.6%, sugar by 9.7%, and vegetable oils by 3.3%. Meanwhile, prices for milk and its derivatives fell by 7.7%.
The National Observatory of Agriculture's data suggests that the improvement in the food trade balance is largely driven by the growth in olive oil exports. The sector has shown resilience despite challenges in the global market. The observatory's report highlights the need for continued support and development of the agricultural sector to maintain this positive trend.
The Tunisian government has been working to promote the country's agricultural sector, with initiatives aimed at increasing exports and improving competitiveness. The sector plays a crucial role in the country's economy, and efforts to enhance its performance are expected to have a positive impact on the overall economy.
As the country continues to navigate the challenges of the global market, the improvement in the food trade balance is a positive indicator for Tunisia's economic prospects. The government's efforts to support the agricultural sector and promote exports are expected to contribute to the country's economic growth and stability.
Key points
- Tunisia's food trade balance has recorded a surplus of 983.1 million dinars as of August 2026, marking a 43.7% increase from the same period in 2025.
