Tunisia’s Trading Partners

As an open economy, Tunisia relies heavily on its trade relations with other countries. In 2024, the main trading partners include the European Union countries, the Maghreb countries, and other international partners.

The Importance of Trade for Tunisia

Tunisia has always played a strategic role in international trade, thanks to its geographical position at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Historically, civilizations such as the Phoenicians and Romans used Carthage, present-day Tunisia, as a hub for trade in the Mediterranean. This tradition continued through the ages, including the Arab expansion, strengthening economic ties between Europe and the Arab world.
Today, Tunisia’s trade relations are further strengthened with a strong dependence on the European Union and its regional neighbors while expanding to new markets internationally. These relations are essential for the Tunisian economy, both for exports and imports of technologies and resources.

Tunisia’s key partners

Currently, Tunisia’s main partners fall into three categories, including the European Union, the Maghreb countries and other international powers such as China and the United States.
The European Union stands out among Tunisia’s main trading partners with countries such as France and Germany. Considered major customers, France and Germany export respectively more than 22% and more than 12% of Tunisian products, or approximately 4.5 and 2.5 billion euros, particularly in the textile, electronic components and agricultural products sectors. Italy and Spain are also important partners, particularly for trade in manufactured goods worth approximately 3.7 billion euros for Italy. Relations between Tunisia and the EU are strengthened by bilateral trade agreements that facilitate trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), notably under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA).
Among Tunisia’s regional neighbours, Libya and Algeria are key trading partners, with exports representing around 4.3% of Tunisia’s total, or around €800-860 million, mainly in agricultural products and construction materials. Algeria, as an immediate neighbour and energy producer, is also a major supplier in the gas and hydrocarbons sectors.
As for China, it provides around 10.5% of the country’s imports, or a value of €2.7 billion, making it Tunisia’s main foreign supplier, with products ranging from manufactured goods to technological equipment. The United States, whose exports are equivalent to approximately 2.4% or 860 million euros, and Saudi Arabia contribute in the technology, agri-food and energy sectors.

The impact on the local economy

Trade plays a crucial role in the local economy in Tunisia, particularly by supporting employment and boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Thanks to exports to key partners such as France and Italy, sectors such as textiles and mechanical engineering create many jobs and provide a significant portion of local economic activity. This support allows companies to prosper and strengthen their presence on the international market.
Imports from countries such as Germany, China or the United States bring advanced technologies and equipment essential to the modernization of local companies, allowing them to remain competitive in an increasingly technological global environment.

Unity is strength and this applies perfectly to the trade that links Tunisia to other nations. These exchanges have a direct influence on the country's trade balance, with exports contributing to reducing the trade deficit and strengthening foreign exchange reserves, while imports, although essential, create pressure on the balance of payments. However, what would be the impact for Tunisia if it were to expand its trading partners in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, while reducing its dependence on European markets ?