American investor Fergie Chambers, known for his financial support of Club Africain in Tunisia, was arrested on July 10 in Ibiza, Spain. He is facing an extradition process to the United States, where he is accused of international money laundering and allegedly providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations. According to reports from The Grayzone and Middle East Eye, the case is linked to Chambers' public support for the Palestinian cause and his funding of humanitarian projects related to Gaza. Chambers, an heir to the Cox family fortune, sold his shares in the family business in 2023 and left the US, stating his intention to dedicate part of his wealth to international solidarity projects, particularly for the people of Gaza, and to fund pro-Palestine media and activist organizations. The Grayzone indicates that the indictment accuses Chambers of money laundering "with the intent to provide material support and resources to foreign terrorist organizations," but notes that the excerpts reviewed do not show evidence of funds being transferred to an organization designated as terrorist. Tunisia is mentioned in the judicial documents, with the indictment stating that Chambers made numerous transfers from US banks to Tunisian banks after moving there in late 2023. The published excerpts do not specify the amounts or beneficiaries of these transfers. Middle East Eye reports approximately $7.5 million was transferred out of the US after his departure, without detai
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On Monday, July 13, 2026, Donald Trump announced that the United States would "take control" of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route, and would require payment for its protection. Speaking to Fox News, Trump stated, "We will become the guardians of the strait," and added that the US expects significant reimbursement for the risks faced by its troops, claiming the US has provided this service "for free" until now. This declaration comes amid high tensions between Washington and Tehran, despite a recent ceasefire. Trump's statement that the US is "taking control" contradicts Iran's assertion that the strait remains closed "until further notice." Days prior, Trump had threatened to "decimate and completely destroy" Iran following intelligence from Israel about an alleged Iranian plot against him. Tehran, however, maintains it has respected the ceasefire and accuses Washington of violating its commitments by reinstating economic sanctions. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, facilitating approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas exports. Disruptions in this area typically lead to increased energy prices and international market concerns. Iran has frequently threatened to close the strait in response to Western military and economic pressure, while Washington justifies its naval presence by the need to ensure freedom of navigati
Tunisia's trade deficit widened to 12.57 billion dinars in the first half of 2026, a 26.9% increase from the previous year, despite a 9% rise in exports to 34.65 billion dinars. Imports grew faster at 13.3%, reaching 47.21 billion dinars, reducing the import coverage rate to 73.4%. The energy deficit is the primary driver of this imbalance, reaching 6.78 billion dinars, up from 5.21 billion dinars a year prior, and now accounts for 53.9% of the total trade deficit. This means more than half of the trade deficit is due to energy exchanges. Energy product imports surged by 33.5%, the highest increase among major imported categories. This situation is exacerbated by a 9% decline in primary energy resources by the end of April 2026, with crude oil production down 7% and natural gas down 13%, while primary energy demand increased by 4%. This growing gap between national supply and demand necessitates increased oil and gas imports, further inflating the energy bill and trade deficit. Tunisia's energy dependence rate reached 65% by the end of April 2026, or 71% excluding the Algerian gas transit fee, indicating that nearly two-thirds to over seven-tenths of the country's energy needs are met by hydrocarbon imports. Rising Brent crude prices in the first four months of 2026 also contributed to higher energy import costs, despite a dinar appreciation against the dollar. This trend contrasts with Tunisia's 2035 energy strategy, which aims to enhance supply security, reduce fossil fuel
Tunisia's trade deficit worsened by 27% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, reaching -12.57 billion dinars by the end of June 2026, according to figures released by the National Institute of Statistics. This is an increase from -9.90 billion dinars a year prior and -8.02 billion dinars in the first half of 2024. The coverage rate also declined, falling to 73.4% in the first half of 2026 from 76.2% in 2025 and 79.9% in 2024. Exports increased by 9% to 34.65 billion dinars, while imports rose by 13.3% to 47.21 billion dinars. Export growth was driven by mechanical and electrical industries +9.1% and agri-food industries +25.2%, particularly olive oil sales. Energy sector exports also grew by 49.1% due to increased sales of refined products. However, exports decreased in the mining, phosphates, and derivatives sector -19% and the textile, clothing, and leather sector -3.5%. Imports increased across all categories, notably energy products +33.5% and food products +27.1%. Exports to the European Union accounted for 70.4% of total exports, increasing to France and Italy but decreasing to Germany and Greece. Exports to Arab countries significantly increased to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, while decreasing to Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. Imports from the European Union, representing 44.9% of total imports, increased from France and Italy but decreased from Bulgaria and Portugal. Outside the EU, imports rose from Turkey, India, and China, but fell from Russia and