The Tunisian Office of Commerce (OCT) has initiated a tender for the unloading and transportation of 48,000 tonnes of imported brown sugar at the commercial port of Bizerte in 2026. This operation is part of the logistical arrangements to ensure the supply of this essential raw material to the Tunisian market. The tender, published in September 2026, concerns handling and transportation services within Bizerte port.
The tender, numbered 13-2026, is an open public market financed by the Office's budget, with a single lot and selection based on the lowest bidder criterion. The operation is aimed at specialized companies in port handling and bulk cargo transportation. The volume of 48,000 tonnes represents a significant logistical challenge requiring suitable means to unload ships and move the sugar within the port area.
The tender provides for a provisional guarantee of 8,000 dinars and an execution period of 363 days. The services are set to begin on October 1, 2026. Initially, the deadline for receiving offers was September 23, but it was later extended to October 2, 2026. The awarding of the contract and the final conditions of its execution are crucial in identifying the selected operators and the actual cost of the services.
This operation raises questions about the logistical costs associated with importing brown sugar, including unloading, moving within the port, potential storage, and transportation to treatment centers. These components can significantly impact the overall cost of supply. The use of separate contracts for different stages of the logistics chain illustrates this organization.
In June 2026, the OCT launched another tender for the land transportation of imported white sugar and other products from Bizerte and Radès ports to its storage centers and subcontractors. The mobilization of transporters is also a challenge to monitor. A previous land transportation contract for 68,000 tonnes of white sugar between Bizerte and Radès was declared unsuccessful due to a lack of bidders.
The successful execution of this operation is crucial for maintaining a stable supply of sugar in the Tunisian market. The OCT's efforts to ensure a consistent supply of essential goods are ongoing, with the office managing various tenders and contracts to meet the country's needs. The outcome of this tender will provide insight into the selected operators and the associated costs.
The OCT's tender for 48,000 tonnes of brown sugar is a significant undertaking, requiring substantial logistical capabilities. The office's ability to manage this operation effectively will be closely watched, given the importance of sugar as a staple commodity in Tunisia. The results of the tender and the subsequent execution of the contract will have implications for the country's food supply chain.
Key points
- The Tunisian Office of Commerce has launched a tender for the import of 48,000 tonnes of brown sugar at Bizerte port.
- The operation is part of the logistical arrangements to ensure the supply of essential goods to the Tunisian market.
- The tender is an open public market with a single lot and selection based on the lowest bidder criterion.
