Tunisia's trade deficit widens amid soaring energy imports

In the first half of 2026 Tunisia’s external trade balance deteriorated to a deficit of 12.6 billion dinars, up from 9.9 billion dinars a year earlier. Exports rose 9 % to 34.645 billion dinars, but imports jumped 13.3 % to 47.215 billion dinars, widening the gap. The energy sector alone contributed 6.8 billion dinars, more than half of the total deficit, as imports of energy products surged 33.5 % while exports of refined products increased 49.1 %.

The European Union remained Tunisia’s main source of imports, accounting for about 45 % of the total, with notable increases from France (+18.5 %) and Italy (+13.7 %). Outside the EU, imports rose from India (+22.9 %), Turkey (+9.5 %) and China (+4.5 %), while purchases from Russia and the United Kingdom fell sharply. The food sector posted a near‑billion‑dinar surplus, partially offsetting the overall shortfall.

Amid the trade pressures, residents of Greater Tunis reported intermittent electricity outages during peak‑demand hours. While the national electricity company (STEG) has not announced a formal load‑shedding plan, the cuts have raised concerns about the grid’s ability to cope with high summer temperatures and increased air‑conditioner use.