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Tunisian Trade Opportunities
Tunisian Export Markets in a Changing World: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Road Ahead

1.9 Minutes
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  Arbia Cheref
Tunisian Export Markets in a Changing World

Tunisia’s trade balance has long been in deficit, largely driven by rising energy imports and a concentration of exports to a limited number of markets. While the European Union absorbs around 75% of Tunisian exports primarily France, Italy, Germany, and Spain; opportunities for diversification remain largely untapped.

A recent Policy Brief, produced in collaboration between FNF Tunisia and Libya and the Laboratoire d’Intégration Économique Internationale (LIEI), analyzes the structural challenges facing Tunisian exports and identifies high-potential markets, both within and beyond the EU.

Using a gravity model of trade covering 60 countries over two decades, the study reveals that:

  • GDP growth in both Tunisia and partner countries has a significant positive impact on exports.

  • Preferential trade agreements with the EU have strongly boosted Tunisian exports, while agreements with other regions have had limited effects.

  • Distance remains a critical barrier, with export volumes declining as geographic distance increases.

Promising Markets
The findings highlight 14 underexploited markets including not only Tunisia’s traditional European partners but also large, high-growth economies such as China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Key Recommendations
To unlock these opportunities, the Policy Brief proposes:

  • Modernizing transport infrastructure and reducing customs delays.

  • Developing direct maritime and air links to high-potential markets.

  • Increasing investment in renewable energy to enhance competitiveness and reduce carbon footprint.

  • Supporting Tunisian companies in measuring and offsetting carbon emissions to meet international standards.

  • Strengthening Tunisia’s commercial presence in target markets through coordinated public–private initiatives.

Tunisia has both the geographic advantage and the potential to diversify its export markets and improve its trade balance. Strategic investment in logistics, sustainability, and targeted market engagement could enable the country to capture a greater share of global trade opportunities.

Want to hear more?
Listen to the insights of Mr. Karim Chaabouni, co-author of the study, in his recent interview on Radio IFM and dive deeper into the full Policy Brief to explore the data, analysis, and actionable strategies for boosting Tunisia’s exports.

Download French Version here