Tunisia ranks fifth in Africa for Turkish exports, reaching $619.4 million in H1 2026
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Tunisia ranked fifth among African destinations for Turkish exports in the first half of 2026, totaling $619.4 million.
- Turkish exports to Africa reached $11 billion, a 12% year-on-year increase.
- Turkey's growing trade with Tunisia aligns with its broader strategy to boost economic ties and business presence across Africa.
Tunisia has solidified its position as a key African market for Turkish goods, ranking fifth in destinations for Turkish exports during the first six months of 2026. The volume of purchases reached an estimated $619.4 million, according to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TฤฐM).
Across the continent, Turkish exports to Africa totaled $11 billion in the same period, marking a significant 12% increase compared to the previous year. While Morocco leads the African destinations with $2.2 billion, followed by Egypt ($2 billion), Libya ($1.3 billion), and Algeria ($950.9 million), Tunisia's consistent presence highlights its importance in Turkey's economic strategy for Africa.
These figures underscore the growing weight of trade between Tunisia and Turkey, a partner already well-established in various sectors of Tunisia's economy. Tunisian markets absorb Turkish products primarily in textiles, apparel, industrial equipment, machinery, chemicals, and construction materials. However, Tunisian exports to Turkey remain more limited, fueling ongoing discussions about the balance of bilateral trade.
Ankara's accelerated trade strategy in Africa is part of a broader, multi-year initiative. "Commercial diplomacy" has become a cornerstone of Turkey's foreign economic policy, aiming to enhance investments, expand the presence of Turkish companies, and foster partnerships with African economic actors. This approach, launched with a specific action plan in 2003 by the Ministry of Trade, has led to increased economic missions, trade agreements, and investments across the continent.
Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.