Despite a declining trade surplus in 2025, Tunisian fishing is consolidating its international positions. Italy is the first outlet, absorbing 28% of exports alone, ahead of Spain and Libya. A mapping of trade that confirms the Mediterranean anchoring of the sector, against a background of rising export prices.
At the end of December 2025, Tunisian exports of fishery products had reached 878 million dinars, spread over more than 40 destinations around the world. According to data published by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI), Italy remains Tunisia’s main trading partner in this strategic sector. Despite a declining trade surplus, the market map confirms the Mediterranean anchorage and the progressive diversification of outlets.
Italy in the lead, Europe dominates
With 28% of exports, Italy is the first customer of Tunisian fish products. It is followed by Spain (15%), confirming the decisive weight of the European market in the flow of national production.
Libya occupies the third position with 10% of the shares, while Algeria and Japan each account for 7% of exports. This distribution illustrates a double dynamic: a strong concentration on the Mediterranean basin and an opening to more distant markets, especially Asian.
In total, exports were 35,500 tonnes in 2025, for a value of 878 MD. Although volumes declined slightly (-2.7%), the value increased by 3.8%, driven by an increase in export prices which averaged 24.8 dinars per kilogram, compared to 23.2 dinars in 2024.
Fish, crustaceans and preserves dominate sales
Fish account for almost half of the quantities exported (49.3%), followed by crustaceans (23.7%) and canned and semi-canned food (22.8%). Molluscs represent 4.2% of the total.
This structure confirms the importance of high value-added products, in particular crustaceans and processed products, particularly popular on European and Asian markets.
A declining trade surplus
Despite the strength of external outlets, the sector’s trade balance showed a surplus of 283.8 MD at the end of December 2025, compared to 386.8 MD a year earlier.
Imports increased by 29.4% in value, reaching 594.2 MD. Imported quantities jumped by 23.4% to 88 thousand tons, mainly fish (91% of volumes). More than 72% of these imports are destined for industrialization, reflecting the growing role of local processing.
However, the rate of coverage of imports by exports remains comfortable, at 148%.
If Tunisia manages to maintain a presence in more than 40 markets, the Italian and Spanish predominance underlines the structural dependence of the sector on European circuits. A strategic positioning that offers stability and volumes, but also exposes to fluctuations in demand and community standards.
source : webdo
