Tunisia’s Food Trade Surplus More Than Doubles in January 2026
Source: National Agriculture Observatory
| Indicator | January 2026 | January 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Food‑trade surplus | TND 424.9 million | TND 175.1 million |
| Export‑to‑import coverage ratio | 190.3 % | 125.1 % |
| Food exports | +2.7 % (TND 895.2 million) | – |
| Food imports | ‑32.5 % (TND 470.3 million) | – |
| Overall trade deficit | ‑TND 1 287.6 million | ‑TND 1 764.6 million |
| Total exports (all sectors) | TND 5 298.7 million | – |
| Total imports (all sectors) | TND 6 586.4 million | – |
Key Drivers
- Olive‑oil exports surge – up 17.8 % to TND 610.5 million, now accounting for 68.2 % of all food exports (versus 59.5 % in Jan 2025).
- Sharp drop in cereal imports – down 26.3 %.
- Sugar imports collapse – down 93 %.
These shifts reflect tighter control of supply‑chain costs and stronger export earnings.
Share of Food Trade in the Overall Economy
- Food imports represent 7.1 % of total national imports.
- Food exports represent 16.9 % of total national exports.
Overall Trade Balance
The global trade deficit shrank by 27 %, moving from TND 1 764.6 million in Jan 2025 to TND 1 287.6 million in Jan 2026.
- Exports grew 5.4 % overall.
- Imports rose modestly +3 %.
Takeaway
Tunisia’s food‑trade performance in January 2026 showcases a strategic pivot toward high‑value agricultural products—particularly olive oil—while aggressively curbing imports of staple commodities. The result is a more than two‑fold increase in the food‑trade surplus and a significant improvement in the country’s overall balance of payments.
