Tunisia's trade deficit widens to nearly 15 billion dinars by July, energy imports a major factor
Tunisia's trade deficit significantly widened during the first seven months of 2026, reaching 14,957.6 million dinars, up from 11,904.2 million dinars in the same period of 2025. This increase is attributed to imports growing faster than exports. Tunisian exports rose by 9.9% to 40,638.4 million dinars, while imports increased by 13.7% to 55,596 million dinars. Consequently, the import coverage ratio by exports deteriorated to 73.1% from 75.6% a year prior. Export growth was driven by mechanical and electrical industries up 10.5% and agri-food industries up 22.9%, particularly olive oil exports, which reached 3,594.6 million dinars. Energy sector exports also surged by 53.3%, boosted by refined product sales. Conversely, exports from the mining, phosphates, and derivatives sector declined by 11.9%, and textiles, clothing, and leather by 3.6%. On the import side, all major product groups saw increases, with energy products experiencing the largest rise at 35.7%. Food imports grew by 23.6%, raw materials and semi-finished products by 8.9%, consumer goods by 8.6%, and capital goods by 7.2%. The energy bill heavily impacted the trade balance, with the energy deficit reaching 7,946.1 million dinars. Excluding energy, the trade deficit would be 7,011.5 million dinars. The overall deficit was primarily driven by energy products, raw materials and semi-finished products, capital goods, and consumer goods, while food products showed a surplus. The European Union remains Tunisia's main