馃嚬馃嚦TunisiaNorth Africa
Economist Aram Belhadj warns of worsening inflation in Tunisia, citing structural factors
via Business News3 min read
Economist Aram Belhadj predicts that inflationary pressures in Tunisia will intensify in the coming months, potentially leading to a "hot summer" for prices and purchasing power. His analysis follows the National Institute of Statistics' INS report on consumer price index figures. Belhadj, an economics doctor and research professor at the University of Carthage, stated in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, that the current price increases are not temporary but stem from an accumulation of structural factors. He identifies several simultaneous elements contributing to Tunisia's inflation: rising production costs, injection of liquidity without equivalent wealth creation, wage increases without productivity gains, high global import prices, and the depreciation of the dinar, particularly against the euro. Belhadj noted he had anticipated this trend in previous analyses, believing inflationary pressures will persist as long as these factors remain active. The INS figures, released on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, show inflation rising to 5.5% in April 2026, up from 5% in March and February 2026, and 4.8% in January 2026. This increase is primarily due to accelerating food prices, which rose from 6.8% in March to 8.2% in April. Fresh fruits saw a 19.2% increase year-on-year, poultry and lamb 16.1%, fresh vegetables 13.5%, beef 12%, and fresh fish 11.9%. Cereal derivatives increased by 6.1% and dried fruits by 5.5%. Conversely, edible oils decreased by 6.8%, eggs by 4.4%, and legu
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Tunisian authorities have launched a major investigation into several companies operating the country's salt pans, focusing on an alleged export under-invoicing mechanism. This scheme is suspected of transferring profits abroad, thereby reducing Tunisia's tax revenues and foreign currency earnings. Since early 2026, the Research and Anti-Tax Evasion Brigade, known as the "tax police," has been conducting checks on salt sector operators. According to a Ministry of Finance source cited by TAP news agency, fourteen companies exploiting salt pans are involved in the inquiry. Most of these companies are wholly or partly owned by foreign capital. The investigations cover over twenty production sites across various regions, including Sfax, Gab猫s, Monastir, Mahdia, Sousse, and Zarzis. Investigators are working to determine if an export under-invoicing system exists, where companies allegedly sold salt extracted in Tunisia to foreign subsidiaries or related companies at below-market prices. The product would then have been resold on international markets at significantly higher prices, allowing a substantial portion of profits to be transferred out of Tunisia while artificially reducing locally declared earnings. Preliminary estimates suggest these practices could have cost the Tunisian state hundreds of millions of euros annually in tax revenues and foreign currency income. The investigations now include all accounting, commercial, and logistical documents of the companies. Control s
Tunisia has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the first round following a 0-4 defeat to Japan and a 1-5 loss against Sweden. Coach Herv茅 Renard, who took over after Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal, accepted full responsibility for the results, stating his role was to make the team competitive. He noted that the team started well against Japan but could not maintain their level against a quality opponent. Captain Elyes Skhiri delivered a harsh assessment, suggesting Tunisian football needs deep introspection and reforms in governance, youth training, and grassroots development, concluding that the national team is not at the level to participate in a World Cup. Defender Ali Abdi apologized to fans for the catastrophic campaign, highlighting unfavorable preparation conditions. He pointed to numerous changes made just weeks before the tournament, including replacing experienced players with younger ones, which prevented the team from developing necessary cohesion. Abdi emphasized that most qualified teams prepare for years, while Tunisia had to rebuild its squad urgently. The statements from Renard, Skhiri, and Abdi collectively point to a lack of preparation, instability, and structural dysfunctions beyond the field, potentially reigniting debate on Tunisian football governance and the reforms needed for the Carthage Eagles to regain international competitiveness.
Tunisia has been officially eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Japan, following an earlier 5-1 loss to Sweden. This marks Tunisia as the first Arab team to be eliminated from the tournament. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring for Japan in the 4th minute, a goal contested by the Tunisians. Japan, described as superior and better organized, extended their lead with Ayase Ueda scoring a brace and providing an assist. The match also marked the 1000th game in the competition's history. Herv茅 Renard was appointed as the national team coach after the initial defeat against Sweden, replacing Sabri Lamouchi, whose tenure included one win, one draw, and three consecutive losses in five matches. Renard's mission was to revitalize the team, which was at the bottom of Group F. Japan, having previously drawn 2-2 with the Netherlands, is now close to qualifying for the round of 16 and will compete for the top spot in their group in the final match. Tunisia has one remaining match without stakes.