• Trade deficit reaches 16.7 billion dinars, up from 13.5 billion in 2024
• Imports rise to 63.1 billion dinars, while exports remain stable
• EU remains main partner, regional trade with Libya and Algeria grows

Tunisia’s trade deficit widened by 24% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching 16.7 billion dinars (about $5.7 billion) compared with 13.5 billion dinars a year earlier, according to the latest report from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published on October 10, 2025.

The deterioration was mainly driven by a rise in imports, which climbed to 63.1 billion dinars from 59.9 billion dinars over the same period in 2024. Exports remained almost unchanged, moving slightly from 46.4 to 46.41 billion dinars.

The increase in imports was fueled by higher demand for capital goods, raw materials, semi-finished products, and consumer goods. In contrast, imports of energy and food products declined.

On the export side, several key sectors, including energy and agrifood, recorded decreases. Falling sales of refined petroleum products and olive oil weighed on overall performance, while mechanical, electrical, and mining industries were the only segments to post gains during the period.

The European Union remained Tunisia’s leading trade partner, accounting for 70.3% of exports and 43.2% of imports, although exports to countries such as Italy and Spain fell. Meanwhile, trade with regional partners like Libya, Algeria, and Morocco strengthened.