Tunisia’s Handicraft Industry: 4,000‑6,000 Jobs, 2 % of Export Value & 4 % of GDP
Source: Rym Marnissi, Quality Director – statement on 11 March 2026
Key Figures
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Employment | 4 000 – 6 000 jobs |
| Share of GDP | 4 % |
| Share of Export Value | 2 % |
| Annual Investment | TND 20 million |
| Export Volume (2025) | TND 160 million |
| Number of Companies | 2 500 (including 650 exporters) |
| People Trained Each Year | 20 000 |
Export Performance
- Europe remains the dominant market, accounting for 57 % of total exports.
- The United States follows with 38 %.
- Emerging markets: the Arab world (3 % of export value) and Africa are gaining traction.
- Overall export growth in 2025: +11 %.
- Chachias (traditional Tunisian caps) saw an +8 % increase; Nigeria is now the top importer of Tunisian chachias.
Top Export Products
| Product Category | Share of Export Value | Recent Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Olive‑wood items | 44 % | +14 % YoY |
| Pottery & ceramics | 25 % | – |
| Hand‑woven rugs & textiles | 13 % | – |
| Beauty & personal‑care products | 8 % | Demand rising |
Collaboration & Training
- Strong synergy between graduates of higher arts schools and 300 000 artisans is raising product quality.
- 20 000 individuals receive formal training each year, reinforcing the sector’s skill base.
National Handicraft & Traditional Dress Day – Program Highlights
Rym Marnissi unveiled a comprehensive agenda for the upcoming National Handicraft and Traditional Dress Day, featuring:
- 100+ events: exhibitions, hands‑on workshops, and cultural celebrations.
- Awards ceremony:
- Senior Artisan of the Year.
- National prize for Young Artisans.
- Recognition of one male and one female artisan in each of Tunisia’s 24 governorates.
Related Reading
This article has been translated and reformatted for English‑speaking audiences while preserving the original data and context.
