Tunisia’s agricultural and food exports rose 25.2% in the first half of 2026, with olive oil sales as the primary driver — climbing to 3.3 billion dinars, up from 2.3 billion dinars over the same period last year.
The bigger trade picture
The olive oil surge came even as Tunisia’s overall trade balance faced pressure from rising import costs elsewhere in the economy. Olive oil remains one of the brightest spots supporting Tunisia’s export performance this year.
Why it matters for the sector
Strong export revenue from olive oil underlines just how central the crop is to Tunisia’s trade balance — and why maintaining buyer trust through transparent sourcing matters for the industry’s long-term health.
FAQ
What share of Tunisia’s exports does olive oil represent? Olive oil is one of Tunisia’s top agricultural exports and, in strong years, one of its largest single export categories overall.
Where do most Tunisian olive oil exports go? The EU remains Tunisia’s dominant trading partner, receiving roughly 70% of total exports.
Source: African Manager, Arab News

