Tunisia's trade deficit hits 14.96 billion dinars by end of July 2026
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Tunisia's trade deficit reached 14.96 billion dinars by the end of July 2026.
- This marks an increase from the 11.90 billion dinar deficit recorded in the same period of 2025.
- The deficit is largely driven by energy products, raw materials, and semi-finished goods.
Tunisia's trade deficit widened significantly, reaching 14.96 billion dinars (approximately $4.8 billion USD) by the end of July 2026. This figure represents a notable increase from the 11.90 billion dinar deficit recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
The substantial deficit is primarily attributed to imports of energy products, which accounted for 7.95 billion dinars. Significant deficits were also recorded in raw materials and semi-finished goods, totaling 3.77 billion dinars, and in equipment goods, contributing 1.59 billion dinars.
These figures highlight ongoing economic challenges for Tunisia, particularly concerning its balance of trade. The reliance on imported energy and materials places a strain on the country's foreign reserves and economic stability. The widening deficit suggests potential headwinds for economic growth and may necessitate further policy adjustments to manage imports and boost exports.
Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.