Macroeconomic trade context

Annual trade volume, 2023

• Total trade: TND 138.2 billion (≈ €40.8 billion)
• Exports: TND 52.8 billion (€15.6 billion), up 6.8% from 2022
• Imports: TND 85.4 billion (€25.2 billion), up 8.2% from 2022
• Trade balance: a TND 32.6 billion deficit (€9.6 billion)
• Trade-to-GDP ratio: 96.4% (exports: 36.8% of GDP)
• Global rank: 73rd largest exporter, 71st largest importer
• World export share: 0.08%
• Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND), TND 1 ≈ €0.295, €1 ≈ TND 3.39
• Currency controls: in place since 2020

Export markets, 2023 (TND 52.8B / €15.6B)

Import origins, 2023 (TND 85.4B / €25.2B)

Export products in detail

A. Manufactured goods (TND 38.7B / €11.4B, 73.3%)

Electrical and electronic components: TND 12.7B / €3.8B (24.0%)

• Wiring harnesses, TND 7.4B / €2.2B: automotive wiring TND 4.2B / €1.2B, aerospace wiring TND 2.1B / €0.6B, appliance wiring TND 1.1B / €0.3B
• Electronic components, TND 5.3B / €1.6B: capacitors and resistors TND 2.6B / €0.8B, circuit boards TND 1.6B / €0.5B, connectors TND 1.1B / €0.3B

Textiles and clothing: TND 11.6B / €3.4B (22.0%)

• Ready-to-wear clothing, TND 8.4B / €2.5B: denim jeans TND 3.2B / €0.9B, underwear TND 2.1B / €0.6B, workwear TND 1.6B / €0.5B
• Technical textiles: TND 2.1B / €0.6B
• Home textiles: TND 1.1B / €0.3B

Mechanical industries: TND 7.4B / €2.2B (14.0%)

• Automotive parts, TND 4.2B / €1.2B: cable assemblies TND 2.1B / €0.6B, plastic components TND 1.1B / €0.3B
• Aerospace components: TND 2.1B / €0.6B
• Industrial equipment: TND 1.1B / €0.3B

Leather and footwear: TND 4.2B / €1.2B (8.0%)

• Footwear: TND 2.6B / €0.8B
• Leather goods: TND 1.6B / €0.5B

Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: TND 2.9B / €0.9B (5.5%)

B. Agriculture and food processing (TND 9.5B / €2.8B, 18.0%)

Olive oil: TND 3.7B / €1.1B (7.0%)

• Extra virgin olive oil: TND 2.6B / €0.8B
• Other olive oils: TND 1.1B / €0.3B
• Global position: the world’s 4th largest olive oil exporter

Dates: TND 2.1B / €0.6B (4.0%)

• Deglet Nour dates: TND 1.6B / €0.5B
• Other date varieties: TND 0.5B / €0.1B
• Global position: the world’s largest date exporter

Fish and seafood: TND 1.6B / €0.5B (3.0%)

• Bluefin tuna: TND 0.8B / €0.2B
• Other fish: TND 0.8B / €0.2B

Citrus fruit: TND 1.1B / €0.3B (2.0%)

• Maltese oranges: TND 0.5B / €0.1B
• Other citrus: TND 0.6B / €0.2B

Other agricultural products: TND 1.1B / €0.3B (2.0%)

C. Mining and energy (TND 4.2B / €1.2B, 8.0%)

Phosphates and derivatives: TND 3.2B / €0.9B (6.0%)

• Phosphoric acid: TND 1.6B / €0.5B
• Fertilisers: TND 1.1B / €0.3B
• Phosphate rock: TND 0.5B / €0.1B

Petroleum products: TND 1.1B / €0.3B (2.0%)

D. Services (embedded)

• Tourism: TND 5.2B / €1.5B (2023 recovery)
• ICT services: TND 2.6B / €0.8B
• Transport: TND 1.6B / €0.5B

Import products in detail

A. Energy products (TND 25.6B / €7.6B, 30.0%)

Petroleum products: TND 18.9B / €5.6B

• Crude oil: TND 12.6B / €3.7B
• Refined products: TND 6.3B / €1.9B

Natural gas: TND 6.3B / €1.9B

• From Algeria: TND 5.8B / €1.7B (via the TransMed pipeline)
• LNG imports: TND 0.5B / €0.1B

Electricity: TND 0.5B / €0.1B

B. Capital goods (TND 17.1B / €5.0B, 20.0%)

Industrial machinery: TND 7.4B / €2.2B

• Textile machinery: TND 2.6B / €0.8B
• Agricultural machinery: TND 1.6B / €0.5B
• Other industrial machinery: TND 3.2B / €0.9B

• Electrical equipment: TND 6.3B / €1.9B
• Transport equipment: TND 3.4B / €1.0B

C. Intermediate goods (TND 34.2B / €10.1B, 40.0%)

Textile raw materials: TND 10.5B / €3.1B

• Yarns and fabrics: TND 8.4B / €2.5B
• Other textile materials: TND 2.1B / €0.6B

Chemicals and plastics: TND 9.5B / €2.8B

• Organic chemicals: TND 4.2B / €1.2B
• Plastics: TND 3.2B / €0.9B
• Other chemicals: TND 2.1B / €0.6B

• Iron and steel: TND 7.4B / €2.2B
• Electronic components: TND 6.3B / €1.9B

D. Consumer goods (TND 8.5B / €2.5B, 10.0%)

Food products: TND 5.2B / €1.5B

• Cereals: TND 2.6B / €0.8B (wheat: TND 2.1B / €0.6B)
• Sugar: TND 1.1B / €0.3B
• Other foodstuffs: TND 1.6B / €0.5B

• Pharmaceuticals: TND 2.1B / €0.6B
• Other consumer goods: TND 1.1B / €0.3B

Trade procedures and regulations: a deep dive

A. Customs declaration process

Regulatory framework

• Primary authority: Tunisian Customs (Administration des Douanes Tunisiennes, ADT)
• Legal basis: the Customs Code (Law 2004-50) and Investment Law 2019-47
• Trade agreements: the EU Association Agreement (1998), the Agadir Agreement (with Egypt, Jordan and Morocco), GAFTA (Greater Arab Free Trade Area) and AfCFTA (ratified 2020)
• Currency controls: in place since 2020, managed by the Central Bank

Import licensing system: four import categories

1. Prohibited imports: weapons, narcotics, used clothing and certain chemicals
2. Restricted imports: require prior authorisation (600+ tariff lines)
3. Liberalised imports: subject to foreign exchange allocation
4. Suspended imports: temporary restrictions for balance of payments reasons

Foreign exchange allocation process

1. The import declaration is filed with customs
2. A foreign exchange request goes to the importer’s bank
3. The bank submits it to the Central Bank for approval
4. Allocation is granted based on available reserves and priority
5. Payment is executed through approved channels

Standard import timeline

• Document preparation: 5–10 days (including legalisation)
• Customs clearance: 3–7 days at ports
• Foreign exchange approval: 10–20 days (can be longer)
• Total lead time: typically 20–40 days

Expedited procedures

• Authorised operators: 2–3 day clearance
• Port community system: electronic processing available
• Pre-clearance: possible for regular importers

Mandatory documents for imports

1. Commercial invoice (in French or Arabic, 3 copies, legalised)
2. Certificate of origin (legalised by the Chamber of Commerce)
3. Bill of lading or air waybill (original plus 2 copies)
4. Packing list (detailed)
5. Import declaration (Déclaration d’Importation, DI)
6. Foreign exchange authorisation (from the Central Bank)
7. Technical sheets (for regulated products)
8. Health or phytosanitary certificates (where applicable)
9. Insurance certificate

Special requirements

• Language: French or Arabic mandatory
• Legalisation: required for many countries, at Tunisian consulates
• Consular fees: apply to many imports
• Pre-shipment inspection: for goods over €5,000

B. Taxation and duties

Customs duties: tariff structure

• MFN rates: 0–43% (average 18.7%)
• EU agreement: industrial goods duty-free, agricultural concessions
• Preferential rates: under various FTAs
• Temporary surcharges: 2–5% for balance of payments support

Common duty rates

Value added tax (TVA)

• Standard rate: 19%
• Reduced rates: 13% (basic foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals), 7% (agricultural products, books), 0% (exports, international transport)
• Registration threshold: TND 100,000 annual turnover

Import processing fees

• Statistical fee: 1% of CIF value
• Customs service fee: 0.5% (minimum TND 5, maximum TND 500)
• Port and airport fees: 1–3%
• Consular fees: €50–€200 per shipment

Special taxes

• Special consumption tax (TSC): on luxury goods, alcohol and tobacco
• Municipal tax: 1–5% on certain goods
• Environmental tax: on polluting products

Duty exemptions

• Investment code benefits: for qualifying projects
• Temporary admission: for exhibitions and samples
• Diplomatic exemptions: for embassies and international organisations
• Free zones (zones franches): customs duty exemption

C. Special procedures

Investment incentives

• 2019 Investment Law: simplified procedures
• Tax holidays: 5–10 years for priority sectors
• Customs duty exemptions: for equipment and raw materials
• Foreign ownership: up to 100% in most sectors
• Profit repatriation: guaranteed, but subject to availability

Free zones

• Offshore regime: for export-oriented companies
• Benefits: customs duty exemption on imports, VAT exemption, a corporate tax holiday and simplified labour regulations
• Major zones: Bizerte, Zarzis and Enfidha

Processing trade

• Temporary admission: for inward processing
• Drawback system: duty refund on re-exports
• Requirements: a bank guarantee and detailed records
• Time limits: generally 2 years

E-commerce regulations

• New framework: the 2020 e-commerce law
• Customs clearance: simplified for low-value shipments
• Payment: through approved payment service providers
• Taxation: VAT applies to imports over TND 50

D. Sector-specific regulations

Food and agricultural products

• Ministry of Agriculture approval: required for all imports
• Halal certification: required for meat products
• Quality standards: must meet Tunisian standards (NT)
• Labelling: Arabic and French mandatory
• Shelf life: at least 50% remaining for perishables

Pharmaceutical products

• Ministry of Health registration: a 12–24 month process
• GMP certification: required from the country of origin
• Price control: the government regulates medicine prices
• Distribution: through licensed pharmacies only

Textiles and clothing

• Technical sheets: required for all textile imports
• Country of origin labelling: mandatory
• Quality control: random inspections
• Quotas: some restrictions on certain categories

Automotive components

• Type approval: from the Ministry of Industry
• Quality standards: international standards generally accepted
• Technical documentation: required in French or Arabic
• Warranty: at least 1 year

Electronics and electrical equipment

• Conformity assessment: required for safety
• Energy efficiency: labels required for appliances
• RoHS compliance: required for electronic products
• Telecom equipment: requires INNORPT approval

E. Foreign exchange controls

Current system (since 2020)

• Prior authorisation: required for all import payments
• Central Bank allocation: based on available reserves
• Priority system: essential goods come first
• Documentation: a complete set is required for each transaction

Payment procedure

1. The import declaration is filed with customs
2. The goods arrive and are cleared
3. A foreign exchange request goes to the bank
4. The bank submits it to the Central Bank
5. Approval is granted (or delayed)
6. Payment is executed

Restrictions and limitations

• Maximum payment terms: 180 days from shipment
• Advance payments: limited to 30% of value
• Documentary requirements: strictly enforced
• Reporting: monthly reporting to the Central Bank

F. Digital systems and automation

SYDONIA World++ system

• Implementation: ASYCUDA-based, since 2015
• Coverage: 80% of customs declarations
• Features: electronic declaration and risk management
• Limitations: partial integration with other systems

E-Douane portal

• Functions: online declarations and tracking
• Availability: 24/7, with some limitations
• User base: 15,000+ registered companies
• Future: planned upgrades for full digitalisation

Digital initiatives (as of early 2024)

• Single window project: under development
• Blockchain pilot: for olive oil traceability
• Mobile apps: limited availability
• E-payment: available but not fully used

Paper-based procedures are still significant

• Physical document submission is often required
• Multiple visits to customs offices are common
• Many procedures are processed manually
• After-hours services are limited

Trade agreements network

Major free trade agreements

EU–Tunisia Association Agreement (1998)

• Industrial goods: duty-free access to the EU
• Agricultural products: concessions, not full liberalisation
• Rules of origin: pan-Euro-Mediterranean accumulation
• Services: limited coverage
• Dispute settlement: established mechanisms

Agadir Agreement (2004)

• Partners: Egypt, Jordan and Morocco
• Coverage: industrial goods and some agricultural products
• Rules of origin: 40% value added
• Benefits: cumulative origin with the EU

GAFTA (Greater Arab Free Trade Area)

• Coverage: most Arab League countries
• Tariff elimination: gradual implementation
• Rules: Arab origin requirements
• Challenges: limited use

Türkiye–Tunisia FTA (2005)

• Coverage: industrial goods and some agricultural products
• Rules: similar to the EU agreement
• Growing trade: a significant increase

Regional agreements

1. COMESA: observer status
2. AfCFTA: ratified, implementation beginning
3. UMA: the Arab Maghreb Union (limited implementation)
4. Bilateral FTAs: with Libya and Algeria (limited scope)

EU Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)

• Negotiations: started in 2015 and were still ongoing at the time of our analysis
• Objectives: going beyond goods to services, investment and regulation
• Challenges: domestic opposition to certain aspects
• Status: slow progress because of political and economic challenges

Major trade infrastructure

Ports (annual tonnage)

Border crossing points

Land borders

• Algeria: 6 crossings (Oum Teboul is the main one)
• Libya: 3 crossings (Ras Jedir is the main one)

Maritime connections

• Ferry routes: to France, Italy and Malta
• Ro-ro services: limited vehicle transport
• Container services: limited direct calls, mainly transshipment

Transport infrastructure

• Rail network: 2,100km, connecting the major ports to the hinterland
• Road network: 19,000km, variable quality
• Airports: 8 airports, 4 of them international (Tunis-Carthage, Monastir, Djerba and Enfidha)
• Pipeline: a gas pipeline from Algeria to Italy via Tunisia

Logistics platforms

• Bizerte Free Zone: a 200+ hectare industrial platform
• Enfidha Logistics Zone: near the airport and port
• Zarzis Free Zone: a southern logistics hub
• Tunis Logistics Platform: under development at the time of our analysis

Emerging trends and future developments

Economic reforms under an IMF programme

• Extended Fund Facility (2023): a $1.9 billion programme
• Reforms: subsidy reduction and restructuring of state enterprises
• Trade facilitation: customs modernisation commitments
• Investment climate: improving transparency and regulation

Digital economy development

• Digital Tunisia 2025 strategy: TND 5 billion of investment
• E-commerce growth: 25% a year
• Fintech development: a regulatory sandbox has been established
• Digital skills: training programmes for young people

Renewable energy transition

• 2030 target: 35% renewable energy in the electricity mix
• Solar energy: multiple projects under way
• Wind energy: growing investment
• Energy efficiency: a focus on the industrial sector

Export diversification

• Export promotion strategy: targeting new markets in Africa
• Product diversification: moving up the value chain in textiles and electronics
• Quality upgrading: meeting international standards
• Brand development: Tunisian product branding

Regional integration

• AfCFTA implementation: preparing for pan-African trade
• Maghreb integration: efforts to revive regional trade
• Mediterranean partnerships: strengthening EU and regional ties
• South–South cooperation: expanding trade with African countries

Key contacts and resources

Government agencies

1. Tunisian Customs (ADT): douane.gov.tn, phone +216 71 801 000, email contact@douane.gov.tn, Boulevard du 9 Avril 1938, Tunis
2. Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA): investintunisia.tn
3. National Institute of Statistics (INS): ins.tn
4. Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT): bct.gov.tn

Business organisations

1. Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA): utica.org.tn
2. Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP): utap.org.tn
3. Tunisian Textile and Clothing Federation (FTTH): ftth.org.tn
4. Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA): taa.com.tn

Statistical and market resources

1. INS trade statistics: ins.tn/statistiques
2. Customs statistics: statistiques.douane.gov.tn
3. Trade Map Tunisia: trademap.org
4. World Bank Tunisia trade portal: doingbusiness.org/tunisia

Practical guidance for traders

For exporters to Tunisia

1. Payment security: use confirmed letters of credit
2. Document preparation: ensure complete legalisation
3. Patience required: processes can be slow
4. Local representation: highly recommended
5. Currency risk: consider dinar volatility

For importers from Tunisia

1. Quality control: pre-shipment inspection is recommended
2. Logistics planning: direct shipping options are limited
3. Certifications: ensure products have the required documentation
4. Payment terms: flexible, depending on the relationship

Economic impact and strategic position

Trade balance challenges

• Structural deficit: a persistent trade imbalance
• Energy dependence: a major import category
• Export concentration: limited to a few sectors
• Services support: tourism and remittances help offset the deficit

Global specialisation

1. Textiles and clothing: a major supplier to the European market
2. Olive oil: the world’s 4th largest exporter
3. Dates: the world’s largest exporter of Deglet Nour dates
4. Electrical components: a growing automotive and aerospace supplier
5. Phosphates: a regional producer and exporter

Competitiveness indicators

• Global competitiveness: 95th worldwide (WEF)
• Ease of doing business: 78th worldwide (World Bank)
• Logistics performance: 85th worldwide (World Bank LPI)
• Corruption perception: 85th worldwide (Transparency International)

Challenges and vulnerabilities

1. Political instability: affects policy continuity
2. Economic crisis: high inflation and unemployment (16.2%)
3. Foreign exchange shortages: constrain imports and investment
4. Infrastructure deficiencies: ports and roads need upgrading
5. Skills mismatch: the education system is not meeting industry needs
6. Regional instability: the impact of the conflict in Libya

Note: this analysis is indicative of the state of Tunisian trade as of early 2024. The landscape continues to evolve, particularly in response to geopolitical change, digital transformation and sustainability imperatives.