Tunisia's phosphate production has reached 2.8 million tons, according to Slah Zouari, Minister of Industry. This figure falls short of the 4.5 million tons targeted for 2026. The country's phosphate industry faces significant challenges, including aging equipment and high maintenance costs. The production shortfall highlights the difficulties Tunisia faces in achieving its phosphate production goals.
The Compagnie des phosphates de Gafsa (CPG) has prepared a recovery plan aimed at increasing production to 9.4 million tons by 2035. The plan involves several key investments, including the acquisition of 14 loading machines and the drilling of seven replacement wells. The CPG also plans to accelerate projects at the Oum El Khacheb 1 and Mdhilla 2 washing plants. These investments are crucial to achieving the company's production targets.
The Tunisian phosphate industry's challenges extend beyond production. The Groupe chimique tunisien (GCT), a key player in the sector, faces significant financial difficulties. The company has incurred losses of approximately 700 million dinars due to the sale of fertilizers on the domestic market. The government has allocated 500 million dinars to support the agricultural sector, which may help alleviate some of the GCT's financial pressures.
Minister Zouari emphasizes the importance of transforming phosphate into higher-value products. He notes that the price of raw phosphate is around $100 per ton, while transformed phosphate can fetch up to $935 per ton. However, the minister does not provide specific commercial references for this comparison. The government's plan to create a joint management structure for the CPG and GCT aims to improve coordination between the two companies.
The success of Tunisia's phosphate industry recovery plan depends on several factors, including industrial modernization, financing, and the ability to translate targets into actual production. The country's phosphate sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, including equipment failures and high maintenance costs. Addressing these issues will be crucial to achieving the industry's production targets.
The CPG's business plan for 2027-2035 forecasts a gradual increase in production, from 4.3 million tons in 2027 to 9.4 million tons in 2035. Achieving this target will require significant investment in equipment, infrastructure, and technology. The government's support for the sector, including the allocation of funds to the GCT, will be essential in helping the industry overcome its challenges.
Tunisia's phosphate industry plays a critical role in the country's economy. The sector's performance has a significant impact on the country's agricultural sector, which relies heavily on phosphate-based fertilizers. The industry's recovery will be closely watched by stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, and local communities. Key points include:
Key points
- 2.8 million tons of phosphate produced in 2026, short of the 4.5 million ton target
- 9.4 million tons of phosphate targeted for production by 2035
- 500 million dinars allocated to support the agricultural sector
