Trade Balance of Goods in Tunisia: Overview from 2017 to 2023

Tunisia consistently recorded trade deficits from 2017 to 2023, reflecting the country’s dependency on imports for energy, machinery, and consumer goods. The deficit narrowed to -4,560.7 million USD in 2020, largely due to reduced import demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the deficit expanded sharply to -8,095.1 million USD in 2022, driven by rising global energy prices and increased demand for imported goods as the economy recovered.

In 2023, the deficit narrowed again to -5,499.6 million USD, supported by improved export performance in textiles, agricultural products, and phosphates. Despite this recovery, Tunisia’s trade dynamics highlight persistent structural challenges, including limited export diversification and reliance on imported energy.