# Tunisian economic instability and trade deficit management

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-economic-instability-and-trade-deficit-management
> Updated: 2026-09-24T06:31:34.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Tunisia is addressing significant economic instability characterized by rising prices and widening trade deficits. In mid-September 2026, the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) highlighted challenges stemming from energy and food crises, geopolitical risks, and climate change. BCT Governor Fethi Zouhaier Nouri emphasized the need for central bank leadership with broad macroeconomic expertise to manage debt and price stability. During the first eight months of 2026, Tunisian imports rose by 11.6% while exports grew by 8%, contributing to a substantial trade deficit.

Following these developments, President Kaïs Saïed called for the rationalization of imports and urged public banks to facilitate easier access to credit to support the national economy. The President also ordered an intensified crackdown on corruption—which he defined to include fraud and the obstruction of public services—as a means to achieve social justice and equitable wealth distribution.

## Claims

- President Kaïs Saïed called for the rationalization of imports to combat rising prices. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Saïed instructed officials to intensify the fight against corruption, including fraud and the obstruction of public services. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The President requested that banks, particularly public ones, strengthen their role in supporting the national economy and facilitating access to credit. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Banking institutions must comply with the circulars issued by the Central Bank of Tunisia. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tunisia's trade deficit reached 6 billion dollars during the first eight months of 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Kaïs Saïed calls for import rationalization and bank support in Tunisia

Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed has ordered the rationalization of imports and called for banks to facilitate credit access to combat rising prices and a 6 billion dollar trade deficit.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kas-saed-calls-for-import-rationalization-and-bank-support-in-tunisia

### 2026-09-18: Tunisia faces economic shifts amid trade deficits and central bank policy evolution

Tunisia faces economic challenges as the Central Bank calls for broader macroeconomic authority amid rising trade deficits and a strategic push to expand commercial presence in African markets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-faces-economic-shifts-amid-trade-deficits-and-central-bank-policy-evolution

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Cite as: Tunisian economic instability and trade deficit management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-economic-instability-and-trade-deficit-management